Many Samurdhi beneficiaries continue to be denied interest-free loan

The Government's scheme of providing a Rs 10, 000 interest-free loan to Samurdhi beneficiaries continues to be plagued by serious administrative issues. 

Though some Government leaders have stated that the loan will be extended to all Samurdhi beneficiaries, in reality, many are continuing to be deprived of the loan owing to circulars issued by the Government itself. 

Samurdhi beneficiaries who came to Samurdhi Development Bank branches and Samurdhi offices yesterday in some areas of the Kegalle district to obtain the loan were informed that a Government circular denying the loan to those who did not have deposits amounting to less than Rs 8000 in their bank account continues to be in force. Officers also told them that instructions have been given not to approve the loan for anyone who has defaulted on settling any previous loans obtained from Samurdhi banks. 

Many Samurdhi beneficiaries who had queued up outside Samurdhi bank branches when the curfew was temporarily lifted yesterday were thus left disappointed and frustrated as a result. They expressed fears on how that they and their families would go hungry if the situation continued.

By Pradeep Kumara Dharmaratne in Aranyake