People’s Bank unveils latest Small and Medium Scale Business Centre in Matara

People’s Bank ceremoniously opened small & medium scale business centre recently at the Regional Head Office building of People’s Bank in Matara under the patronage of the Minister of Rehabilitation and Prison Reforms, Hon. Chandrasiri Gajadeera.

Launched under the budget proposal of 2012, following the agenda of the Mahinda Chinthana Idiri Dekma, this new centre aims to uplift small and medium scale business sectors by providing them with adequate loan facilities for Agriculture Based Products, Livestock, Apparel, Fisheries, Tourism, Construction and a host of other business sectors. At present, similar centres of this nature have been launched in the Anuradhapura, Kurunegala, Kandy and Gampaha districts and the bank is set to introduce these centres to other districts of the country as well.

The centre comes well equipped with a complete library with internet access and an auditorium facility. Meanwhile, efficient and friendly consultation is also offered by specially trained staff.

Speaking at the ceremony, Minister of Rehabilitation and Prison Reforms, Hon. Chandrasiri Gajadeera said, “I see such an initiation as an important landmark targeting

Entrepreneurs in the area. The support rendered by People’s Bank in contributing towards the vision of the Government’s widespread development programme in the country is a great source of strength to us as we strive to strengthen the business sector. While introducing the last budget proposal, His Excellency, the President clearly stated that banks giving out loans to small and medium scale Enterpreneurs  would be created in every district. Through this endeavour we hope to establish 500,000 small scale by the year 2016. Out of this amount, 10% should be medium scale Entrepreneurs. It is worth mentioning that People’s Bank has fully understood the intentions of the Government’s programme for development with the introduction of these business centres in every district. If you operate your business and improve it through better management while obtaining the financial support from the bank, you stand more of an opportunity of contributing towards the initiatives of your efforts”.

The opening ceremony was attended by Southern Provincial Council Minister, Hon. Bindu Weerasinghe, Member of the Southern Province Council, Hon. Aruna Gunarathna, Matara District Secretary, MrW. K. K. Athukorala, Matara Provincial Secretary, Mr. B. Ranaweera together with Deputy General Manager (Development Banking, Corporative, SME) of People’s Bank, Mr. T. A. Ariyapala, Deputy General Manager (Branch Operations), Mr. M.B.A Silva, bank officials and a large number of entrepreneurs.

At this ceremony, Minister Chandrasiri Gajadeera handed over loans to a number of entrepreneurs to open their respective businesses.