Monday, 10 March 2014 00:00
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Marking International Women’s Day, President Mahinda Rajapaksa on Saturday launched the ‘Liya Isuru’ interest free loan scheme for women entrepreneurs in the country.
Under the free loan scheme for women entrepreneurs announced in the 2014 Budget and implemented by the Regional Development Bank, women entrepreneurs can get an interest free loan of maximum Rs. 200,000 irrespective of their age without need for collateral.
The Government has allocated Rs. 3.2 billion for the loan scheme in the first stage. This is the first time such a loan scheme has been implemented in the country.
Addressing the function held at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium in Colombo to launch the loan scheme on Saturday, President Rajapaksa said Sri Lanka, setting an example to the world, always gives priority to women and Sri Lankan women hold important positions in many prominent sectors, winning the world.
The President appreciated the contributions being made by the women towards strengthening the country’s economy.
The President presented loans to 1,500 women representing the entire island at the event.
Ministers Basil Rajapaksa and Tissa Karaliyadde, Parliamentarian Duminda Silva, Finance Secretary Dr. P.B. Jayasundera and Provincial Development Bank Chairperson Keshala Jayawardena were among those present.
