Wednesday Jan 28, 2026
Wednesday Jan 28, 2026
Wednesday, 28 January 2026 00:26 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
The Finance, Planning and Economic Development Ministry has issued a new circular expanding relief measures for micro, small and self-employed businesses affected by the emergency situation caused by Cyclone Ditwah.
The circular has been issued in line with Budget Circular No. 08/2025, introduced on 5 December 2025 to restore livelihoods disrupted by the disaster, and follows additional circulars issued on 20 December 2025 and 22 January 2026 to strengthen delivery and coverage of assistance under the Government’s community empowerment program.
Under the revised framework, one-time grants will be provided to restore affected businesses to a condition suitable for reopening. Individual, small and micro businesses registered with the Ministry of Industry or with Divisional Secretariats as business entities will be eligible for grants of Rs. 200,000. Unregistered home-based businesses operating from permanent structures and unregistered production industries, including greenhouses, will receive Rs. 50,000 per unit, while temporary business setups such as mobile and street hawking operations will be eligible for Rs. 25,000.
Separate assistance has been introduced for owners of commercial buildings damaged by the disaster. Building owners who opt to receive assistance without a damage assessment will be eligible for a grant of Rs. 500,000, while those who undergo a damage assessment may receive grants of up to Rs. 5 million, based on the assessed value of the premises.
In addition to direct grants, the Treasury has introduced new concessionary credit facilities through the banking system to support business recovery. Affected enterprises can access loans ranging from Rs. 250,000 to Rs. 25 million at an interest rate of 3%, with a six-month grace period and repayment over three years to restart operations.
For business reconstruction and longer-term investment needs, entrepreneurs may also obtain loans of up to Rs. 25 million at an interest rate of 5%, with a 12-month grace period and repayment over 10 years.
