BIZ

Rs. 20 Bn loan lifeline for SMEs

Published

1 year ago

February 28, 2024

nipuni

The government has taken measures to implement a Rs.20 billion credit scheme to revive the micro, small and medium enterprise sector in Sri Lanka.

Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers has granted its consent to the proposal forwarded by President Ranil Wickremesinghe in his capacity as the Finance, Economic Stabilization and National Policies Minister to implement a credit scheme to revive the micro, small and medium enterprise sector.

Speaking at the weekly Cabinet media briefing held yesterday at the Government Information Department, Cabinet Spokesman, Transport, Highways and Mass Media Minister Dr. Bandula Gunawardhana said the proposed Rs.20 billion will be spent on the entire project which has two components.

“Out of this, Rs.15 billion will be used to strengthen existing and new enterprises and the remaining amount of Rs.five billion will be used to support enterprises under the non-performing loan category.

A significant number of small and medium scale entrepreneurs involved in manufacturing, import, export, tourism, apparel and various other commercial operations have found it very difficult to continue running their enterprises as a result of the economic downturn and the impact of external factors beyond their control.

The Asian Development Bank has agreed to provide working capital support for the Small and Medium Enterprise sector as a relief. The proposed programme is intended to provide credit facilities to existing micro, small and medium scale enterprises for further expansion and recovery of their businesses through licensed commercial banks and licensed specialised banks at concessional interest rates.

(dailynews.lk)

BIZ

Imported milk powder prices upped

Published

19 hours ago

July 10, 2025

editor

The price of a 400g pack of imported milk powder has been raised by Rs.100, according to the Milk Powder Importers’ Association.

Previously priced at Rs.1,100, the new cost for a 400g pack is now Rs.1,200.

BIZ

No cases filed against 22 banned pyramid schemes – CBSL

Published

2 days ago

July 9, 2025

editor

Although the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) has banned 22 institutions operating illegal pyramid schemes, no legal action has been taken against any of them so far, according to reports.

This was disclosed during a workshop held at the CBSL yesterday (July 08) on the dangers of pyramid schemes.

According to CBSL officials, after initial investigations, the files were handed over to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for further inquiry.

The CID’s Financial Crimes Unit has reportedly completed its investigations and submitted findings to the Attorney General’s Department, which is responsible for filing cases.

However, it was noted that not a single case has been filed to date.

The CBSL states that investigations will be continued against companies engaged in these illegal practices and hopes at least one or two such cases would be filed by the end of this year or early next year (2026).

BIZ

Bowser owners warn of fuel distribution crisis

Published

2 days ago

July 9, 2025

editor

The Ceylon Petroleum Private Bowser Owners’ Association has alleged that fuel distribution operations have been arbitrarily handed over to another party, which could disrupt fuel transportation across the country.

The association’s Treasurer – Jagath Parakrama warned that the move could jeopardize distribution if not reversed immediately, claiming there is an attempt to create a monopoly over fuel transport.

Parakrama noted that bowser owners, numbering around 400–500 in the association, have long handled the transport of fuel from bulk storage depots island-wide.

He alleged that authorities are now trying to award the fuel transportation route from Colombo and Muthurajawela to Kurunegala to a single businessman via a tender process.

He added, “If we don’t transport the fuel, no one else will be able to do so. However, in the last two or three years, this business was about to be handed over to a few large-scale business people. We, as an association, intervened and managed to stop it for a long time. But now, they are trying to hand over this transportation service to their close associates.”

He stressed that fuel transportation should remain a public service, warning that allowing a monopoly could lead to issues similar to those faced by other transport services.