Ceybank celebrated its 35th anniversary recently, heralding a legacy of resilience, continuity and investment expertise built throughout three and a half decades. Having operated in diverse economic cycles and market transformations in Sri Lanka, the company’s longevity is evidence of institutional strength and the trust earned among generations of investors.
The 35-year milestone was marked with a private gathering at the Ceybank Corporate Office in Colombo, uniting shareholders and leadership, to reflect on the company’s progress and path ahead. The event was graced by Mr Kavinda de Zoysa, Chairman of Bank of Ceylon (BOC), reinforcing the deep relationship as Ceybank’s largest shareholder, and affirming confidence in the company’s next phase as it moves forward with clarity and direction.
Ceybank Asset Management Ltd. is jointly owned by four leading institutions, each contributing unique strengths to its governance and performance.
Sri Lanka’s largest state-owned commercial bank, Bank of Ceylon (BOC) holds 44%. BOC provides financial stability, credibility, and access to an extensive nationwide distribution network.
The country’s leading state‑owned insurer, Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation Ltd. (SLIC) has a 26% stake. SLIC brings expertise in long‑term financial planning and institutional investment, reinforcing Ceybank’s resilience and trustworthiness.
In addition, the Specified Undertaking of Unit Trust of India (SUUTI), a pioneer in Indian investment management retains a 17.5% equity. SUUTI contributes technical strength and strategic global insights, enhancing Ceybank’s international perspective. As a diversified regional conglomerate Carson Cumberbatch PLC maintains a 12.5% interest. Carson Cumberbatch adds a proven investment track record and strong market presence, further strengthening Ceybank’s multi‑sectoral reach.
This structure positions Ceybank as a multi‑shareholder joint venture, combining the stability of Sri Lanka’s largest financial institutions with international expertise and diversified corporate backing.
The relationship with BOC will play an increasing role in its next chapter as the company draws increasingly on the collective strength of the Group. As Ceybank contributes investment expertise, BOC brings its wide reach and established banking network, a combination which creates scope for more integrated financial solutions for customers in the years ahead.
Importantly, the partnership continues to be a cornerstone of credibility and Group synergy, establishing Ceybank as part of a broader, established financial ecosystem.
Over the past 35 years, Ceybank has built a reputation for professional Fund Management in money market, fixed‑income, income, balanced and equity investments. Its disciplined approach to governance and risk management has guided investors through multiple market cycles, proving experience matters most when conditions turn uncertain.
Ceybank also offers extensive expertise in Discretionary Portfolio Management, providing tailored investment solutions for corporates, institutions, and high‑net‑worth individuals. Each portfolio is managed with disciplined oversight, strong governance, and a customised approach aligning with the client’s objectives, risk tolerance, liquidity requirements, and asset‑allocation strategy.
Recognised as a founding name in Sri Lanka’s Unit Trust industry, Ceybank manages the country’s first Growth Fund – the Ceybank Century Growth Fund (CCGF) – and the largest Balanced Fund – the Ceybank Unit Trust Fund (CUT). These flagship funds highlight the depth of Ceybank’s history and the scale of investor confidence it has built, providing a strong bridge to future ambitions.
Planning the future, the anniversary themed ‘35 Years. What Comes Next?’ demonstrates Ceybank’s alignment toward the future.
As the company prepares for its next phase of growth, it is placing strong emphasis on accessibility, service standards, distribution and strategic partnerships. Digitalisation, through platforms such as CEY360, will deliver simpler and more accessible investment management, complementing the human expertise and relationship‑driven service which have defined Ceybank for decades.
As investors increasingly expect to access information and manage their investments without restrictions of geography or conventional office hours, digital access is designed to enhance the relationship between Ceybank and its clients rather than to replace the professional advice at its core.
Ceybank’s ambition is to broaden participation in professionally managed investments, extending access beyond corporates, institutions and high‑net‑worth individuals to include the ordinary Sri Lankan investor. This vision combines heritage with inclusivity, ensuring wealth management becomes more accessible to all.
With 35 years of proven expertise and the strength of the BOC Group behind it, Ceybank is poised to evolve into a significantly larger and more relevant investment manager, deepening institutional relationships while expanding retail accessibility. The next chapter will be built on stronger products, distribution, partnerships, digital capability and customer experience, continuing to evolve without compromising the trust and investment discipline built over 35 years, and delivering investment opportunities for every Sri Lankan.
