SEDD prepares 1,900 business plans for ‘Thurunu Diriya’ loan applicants

The Bank of Ceylon (BOC) ‘Thurunu Diriya’ loan scheme is a special loan scheme implemented with the coordination of District and Divisional Secretariats with the objective of empowering young entrepreneurs. 

This loan scheme provides loans for potential young entrepreneurs who are engaging in various businesses from around the island. Small Enterprises Development Division (SEDD) plays an important role by preparing business plans needed for the interested applicants to apply for the Thurunu Diriya loan.   

As at 4 December, the total number of business plans prepared by SEDD was 1,900, and the total number of Thurunu Diriya loans disbursed among the young entrepreneurs around the country was 325. There is a target of disbursing 1,925 Thurunu Diriya loans among the young entrepreneurs. 

Accordingly, as a percentage, the total number of loans disbursed was 17% out of the total target of the loans to be disbursed among the young entrepreneurs around the country. 

It is remarkable to note that the Ratnapura district has handed over 261 business plans which were prepared by the SEDD to the BOC. Further, this district leads both the loan disbursements by disbursing 47 loans and preparation of business plans by preparing 261 business plans. After Ratnapura district, Anuradhapura and Kegalle districts lead preparation of business plans for young entrepreneurs of their districts by having prepared 214 and 158 business plans, respectively. 

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