Bank of Ceylon (BOC) Ran Kekulu ‘Hapana’ programme series reached its 1130th seminar at Matugama Ananda Shasthralaya recently. The 1129th programme was concluded at Katana Dutugemunu Vidyalaya.

All these programmes are conducted completely free of charge for children who sit for the Grade Five scholarship examination this year and there is no necessity to be a BOC account holder. From the point of view of the BOC corporate social responsible initiatives, uplifting the educational standards of the country’s younger generation is considered as one of the key aspects. Among many initiatives ‘BOC Hapana’ is one direct method of carrying out this mission. Other initiatives include Ran Kekulu Scholarship Awards for Grade Five scholarship highflyers, BOC-sponsored ‘Nena-Pahana’ TV series on Rupavahini channel every Monday from 5:00 p.m. till 6:00 p.m. that focuses on the Grade Five scholarship training and 18 Plus Scholarship Awards for A/L highflyers.

BOC Hapana is a dedicated programme that has been an immense support to children who face the Grade Five scholarship examination. It has been going on for 16 years since 2000. The bank has obtained the service of a very experienced panel of teachers and instructors throughout these years to conduct this well structured series of seminars which have contributed immensely for the success of the programme. 

The bank with the panel of instructors ensure that the modules discussed are updated according to syllabus change that takes place from time to time in order to ensure the effectiveness of the programme to guide students to pass this hurdle. Mainly focused on developing the required skills in students for the exam, it also includes a discussion of a mock examination paper and conduct subject-oriented curricular activities. Having been conducted in both Sinhala and Tamil language that will be delivered on request, Hapana has coached over 680,000 children throughout the country. 
Although the main focus is given for the discussion of mock examination papers, the programme also gives instructions for students to follow at any given examination to obtain exemplary results. It also discusses about effective studying methods, goal setting and timing. This comprehensive guidance also includes tips for parents who work as hard as their children to prepare his/her child for the examination. So far this programme has shared knowledge with over 500,000 parents who have participated. 

BOC sincerely takes pride in being able to provide assistance to future leaders of the country in the best possible way it can. Therefore, the whole programme gives a new life-changing experience to both parent and child. The bank organises around 80 scholarship coaching programmes annually covering every province including North and East. The programme is co-sponsored by Ceylon Biscuits (Munchee) and 
Camillus publications.