Govt. to grant relief to industries hit by terrorist attacks - Finance Minister

The government has decided to introduce a special relief scheme to several industries which were badly hit by the recent terrorist attacks, Finance Minister Mangala Samaraweera said yesterday (May 30).

Businesses falling under both the informal and formal tourism sector will be entitled to relief schemes as such industries have faced severe setbacks due to the drop in tourist arrivals, the Minister told a news conference.

A special loan scheme under the name 'Sancharaka Poddo' will be made available for micro-businesses, self-run businesses and also small scale enterprises, Mr. Samaraweera said.

These loans will be granted by Regional Development Banks on an interest-free basis upto Rs 500,000  and a grace period of one year would be granted to pay back the loans, the Finance Minister said.

In addition, musical bands will also be granted a two-year grace period to pay back their loans and leasing amounts in addition to being granted a working capital of maximum Rs 500,000 from June 10 with a concessionary interest of 3.46 percent. 

Upto 75 percent of interest on these loans will be borne by the government, Mr. Samaraweera said during a media conference.

Further, a relief pakage will also be granted next week to pandal creators, electrical technicians, artists, and craftsmen who were affected by the decision to cancel major Vesak celebrations this year.

(Pics by Priyantha Wickramaarachchi)