‘Enterprise Sri Lanka – BOC Thurunu Diriya’ disburses over 400 loans

A Thurunu Diriya loan recipient from Matara

The ‘Enterprise Sri Lanka - Bank of Ceylon (BOC) Thurunu Diriya’ loan scheme has disbursed loans worth Rs. 174,760,500 to 409 young entrepreneurs to date.

This was revealed by the Thurunu Diriya loan scheme weekly progress report, which was released by the BOC on 19 December.

Further, this report reveals that the Thurunu Diriya loan scheme has disbursed loans covering all 25 districts of the island, and the district-wise loan disbursements are led by Ratnapura, Kalutara and Galle, by the disbursement of 61, 32, and 30 loans, respectively, to date. The lead taken by Ratnapura district in disbursing the loans is remarkable. Meanwhile, the provincial-wise loan disbursements continue to be led by the Western and Sabaragamuwa Provinces the by disbursement of 75 loans by each Province.

This special loan scheme is implemented with the coordination of District and Divisional Secretariats island-wide with the objective of empowering young entrepreneurs. It provides loans for young entrepreneurs who are engaging in various businesses from around the country.

The Thurunu Diriya loan scheme was launched by BOC in collaboration with the Policy Development Office (PDO) of the Prime Minister’s Office, the Central Program Management Unit (CPMU), and the Small Enterprises Development Division (SEDD) as a part of the Government’s Enterprise Sri Lanka program, specifically targeted at qualified young professional entrepreneurs.

The loan scheme provides loans without a guarantor and collateral, or with lenient guarantor conditions, for entrepreneurs below the age of 40 years who possess a degree or a recognised vocational certificate and who have been in the business for a minimum of three years. Further details on this loan scheme can be obtained from BOC branches or the Divisional Secretariats island-wide.