Industries Ministry announces four new loan schemes 

The Ministry of Industries has started four new loan schemes in a bid to revitalise failed businesses in the micro, small and medium scale sectors. 

The four schemes include an investment loan, loan for non-performing businesses, and two specific programmes for small and medium-scale farmers, according to Industries Ministry Secretary Shantha Weerasinghe. 
The Minister of Industries Ramesh Pathirana stated that the schemes, organised jointly by the Finance Ministry and the Industries Ministry, are set to offer a total of Rs. 20,000 million in credit facilities to support local businesses. 

A manufacturing enterprise with less than 200 employees would be eligible to obtain a maximum of Rs. 15 million as a loan at 7 percent interest while small entrepreneurs will receive a loan amount of Rs. 5 million at 8 percent interest. 

Moreover, Rs.30 million of the total loan scheme has been allocated to provide funding for environment-friendly projects, according to the minister. (NR)