Young entrepreneur from east rises high with ‘Enterprise Sri Lanka – BOC Thurunu Diriya’

Every businessman starts his/her business with a dream of making his business a success in the future. But the path to success is not without obstacles. The ‘Thurunu Diriya’ loan scheme of the Bank of Ceylon (BOC) has opened up a great opportunity for young entrepreneurs to develop their business by overcoming financial obstacles. This is a story of a young entrepreneur who received a ‘Thurunu Diriya’ loan.

Raasamaanikkam Jude from Akkaraipattu, is a 33-year-old young entrepreneur who is running a ‘chemical production’ business for a living with his wife at his home for six years. This business is conducted under the name ‘Star Light’ and these chemicals are used to clean windows, doors and furniture. 

“The ‘Chemical business’ course I followed at the Pradeshiya Sabha before starting the business greatly helped me to start and carry on this business,” he said.

As the sole income of his family, Jude had been conducting this business with several financial difficulties. In the meantime, he was invited to a meeting at his Divisional Secretariat, which informed him and other businessmen in his area about the ‘Thurunu Diriya’ loan scheme. He found this loan as a great opportunity to overcome the financial difficulties faced by his business. 

Therefore, he applied for this loan through the specific procedure and obtained a loan worth Rs. 4 lakhs a few weeks ago. Since he has fulfilled all the requirements to receive the loan, he could easily get through the loan application process. 

“For the last six years, I had to bring the material required for the productions weekly. But now, after getting the loan, I can buy the materials monthly.” He explained the benefits of his loan. 

He has also brought plastic bottles instead of glass bottles, in which he used to pack the chemicals he produced, using the loan he received.

“For all these years, my wife and I ran this business alone. After developing this business from the loan, I am hoping to hire one or two assistants for my business.” He shared his future plan.

“I am very happy about the loan and it helps me in developing my business.” He appreciated the Thurunu Diriya loan scheme.

The Bank of Ceylon in collaboration with the Policy Development Office (PDO) of the Prime Minister’s Office and the Central Programme Management Unit (CPMU) of the Ministry of National Policies and Economic Affairs implemented the Thurunu Diriya loan scheme. It provides loans without a guarantor and collateral or with lenient guarantor conditions for young entrepreneurs under 40 years of age, who possess a degree or a recognised vocational certificate and were being in the business for not less than three years. Further details of this loan scheme can be obtained from the Bank of Ceylon branches or the Divisional Secretariats island-wide.