‘Enterprise Sri Lanka – BOC Thurunu Diriya’ empowers women

The Bank of Ceylon ‘Thurunu Diriya’ loan scheme has provided a great opportunity for Sri Lankan young entrepreneurs in achieving their dream of starting their “own business”. The high proportion of young female entrepreneurs among the ‘Thurunu Diriya’ loan recipients is an important factor to be highlighted. 

There are 237 female entrepreneurs among the total of 378 ‘Thurunu Diriya’ loan recipients up to date. In the past, the female entrepreneurs around the country who used to have a dream of starting their own business could not achieve their dream due to the lack of support they gained from various parties. But now, the ‘Thurunu Diriya’ loan scheme plays a vital role in assisting young women around the island to develop and make their small-scale businesses successful.

The ‘Thurunu Diriya’ loan scheme have given young women who were expecting a government or private job after finishing their school education, the opportunity to use their valuable time productively to carryout their own businesses successfully. This loan scheme has enabled the women, who were traditionally destined to household family work, to engage in businesses related to their skills. 

The ‘Thurunu Diriya’ loan scheme has disbursed 237 loans to female entrepreneurs while disbursing 141 loans to male entrepreneurs. At present, the women are supporting men in strengthening the economy of the family and the ‘Thurunu Diriya’ loan scheme is ready to assist them when needed.

The ‘Thurunu Diriya’ loan scheme was launched by Bank of Ceylon 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.

This 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 has been in the business for minimum of three years. 

Further details on this loan scheme can be obtained from Bank of Ceylon branches or the Divisional Secretariats island-wide. Further details on this loan scheme can be obtained from Bank of Ceylon branches or the Divisional Secretariats island-wide.