On October 13, 2023, Hon. Sajith Premadasa, the Leader of the opposition, held a discussion with the Asian Development Bank. The opposition leader made the following statement: “The president of the Asian Development Bank and all of its officers will give great strength for the growth of small and medium-sized industrialists, and the Asian Development Bank will provide approximately $100 million to handle the issues facing micro, small- and medium-sized business owners in our nation.”
According to Hon. Sajith Premadasa, the leader of the opposition, this amount was given as capital through the National Credit Guarantee Institution and through 13 banks in our nation’s banking system, and through it, it was possible to implement a loan guarantee program for small and medium-scale industrialists in this country as well as a program to obtain loans at a subsidized interest rate.
On several previous occasions, Hon. Sajith Premadasa, the leader of the opposition, arranged for the officials of the Asian Development Bank and the small and medium scale entrepreneurs to meet each other and there they were given the opportunity to discuss their problems and shortcomings. Although there have been discussions between government ministers and foreign delegations during previous governments, this is the first time that common, citizens and businessmen have the opportunity communicate their issues directly to foreign organizations like the Asian Development Bank.
As a result of several rounds of discussions held with the representatives of the Asian Development Bank, small and medium enterprises and businessmen in coordination with the leader of the opposition Hon Sajith Premadasa, this amount of 100 million US dollars is to be received in the month of December for the small and medium businessmen. .
Mr. Takafumi Kadono, Sri Lanka Director of Asian Development Bank, Mr. Santosh Pokharel (Unit head, Private Sector Development) and Ms. Uresha T. Walpitagama, financial analyst joined the event representing the Asian Development Bank.