NDB in giant step to revive small industry
View(s):NDB (bank) recently initiated a special development programme aimed at rebuilding the defunct handloom textile industry.
The pilot project of a long term development programme was launched in the Kuleegama village, Divulapititya of the Gampaha District which was once renowned for its handloom products, the bank said.
It joined hands with the Department of Textile Industry and the Divisional Secretariat of Divulapitiya to support skilled weavers in the village who have been away from the industry since 2002, to resume manufacturing. The initial meeting organised by NDB with the participation of representatives of the department of Textile and the Divisional Secretariat official was attended by over 30 manufacturers.
The bank said NDB will meet the capital expenditure for the initial set up of enterprises including purchase of weaving machines, raw material, etc and also fill working capital gaps at the latter stages of production. “The bank together with the Department of Textiles will be committed to provide continuous guidance and training on enterprise management, marketing and distribution as well as technical skills development in order to equip the manufacturers with the necessary business and technical know-how,” the statement added. In a bid to encourage the younger generation in the area to take up the profession, a handloom manufacturing training centre will be set up in the village which will be administered under the guidance of the department.
Commenting on the initiative, Raj Aboobucker Vice President and Head of Retail and SME Banking of NDB, said, “Reviving the waning traditional industries in the country and creating better market and/or export opportunities for such entrepreneurs is a priority focus in NDB’s agenda for SME development. NDB’s initiative for hand loom textiles in Kuleegama and the earlier initiative for the mask industry in Ambalangoda are first steps of long-term, programmes that aim to reinforce identified traditional industries.”
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