Rs. 10 b disaster loan program extended to revive Ditwah-hit MSMEs

Wednesday, 9 September 2026 00:20 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Government has allocated Rs. 10 billion for disaster-relief loan schemes aimed at restarting micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and other businesses affected by Cyclone Ditwah and restoring economic activity in disaster-hit areas.

The Cabinet of Ministers on Monday approved the implementation of the Disaster Relief (RE-MSME) Loan Scheme for affected MSMEs and the Extended Disaster Relief (EDR) Loan Scheme to provide financial assistance to other disaster-affected businesses.

The schemes have been implemented as a joint program with the participation of 15 financial institutions, with the objective of providing immediate financing to businesses to resume operations following the disaster.

According to progress information presented to the Cabinet by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in his capacity as the Finance, Planning and Economic Development Minister, a total of Rs. 8.06 billion has already been disbursed to 3,968 disaster-affected enterprises under the program.

“The Government has earmarked the Rs. 10 billion allocation for implementation during 2025 and 2026, with the loan program intended to accelerate the recovery of affected businesses and support a broader economic rebound following the cyclone,” Minister Vijitha Herath said at the weekly post-Cabinet meeting media briefing yesterday.

He said the Cabinet took note of the progress made in implementing the schemes, which form part of the Government’s wider post-disaster recovery effort.