Lankaputhra Development Bank has introduced a loan scheme especially for small and medium scale entrepreneurs engaged in the gem and jewellery industry, the Bank said.

The “Lakmini Security loan Scheme” provides financial assistance up to Rs 1million with an annual interest rate of 15 %, the statement said, adding that the scheme, a concept of President Mahinda Rajapaksa, is the first of its kind to be launched for this sector. It said this industry employs a large number of people.