ComBank pays tribute to history with restoration of Galle Fort branch in centenary year

History and nostalgia came to the fore when the Galle Fort branch of the Commercial Bank of Ceylon was reopened in its original location this week in one of the last events of the Bank’s 100th year.

The Bank’s chairman Dharma Dheerasinghe, Managing Director S. Renganathan, Chief Operating Officer Mr Sanath Manatunge and members of the corporate management graced the occasion when the early 19th century edifice at No 22, Church Street was formally declared open following a refurbishment that restored its colonial grandeur.

One of the oldest buildings owned by Commercial Bank and one of the oldest buildings in the southern province, this building is listed as being the property of a George Henry Boggar, who is recorded as its first owner. It was also once a hotel named ‘Old Mansion’ and was the home of the Galle branch of the Mercantile Bank of India (MBI) when in 1973, the Commercial Bank of Ceylon acquired three branches of MBI and came into possession of this heritage building.

The building’s refurbishment was carried out in consultation with the Galle Heritage Foundation and the Department of Archeology, preserving the old structure wherever possible.