(COLOMBO, LANKAPUVATH) – Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa Yesterday (09) instructed the heads of state banks to adopt a relaxed policy in granting loans.
Presiding the progress review meeting of the Ministry of Finance Wednesday, the Prime Minister emphasized the need to ensure that people who find it difficult to repay their loans and those who come to obtain new loans are not unnecessarily inconvenienced by the banks.
Ajith Nivard Cabraal, Minister of State for Finance drew the attention of the Prime Minister to the difficulties faced by the public In connection with the data verification activities by the Sri Lanka Credit Information Bureau (CRIB).
The Prime Minister instructed the bank chiefs to adopt an appropriate relief scheme in matters including the disqualification of a person from obtaining a loan simply because his name is in the Credit Information Bureau as a guarantor of a defaulting debtor.
Minister of State Shehan Semasinghe pointed out that the previous government had given special consideration to its party members in providing Samurdhi benefits.
Prime Minister Rajapaksa instructed the officials to study the matter to decide who is actually eligible to receive Samurdhi benefits and take steps to provide benefits to all low income families without any political differences.
Under the Vistas of Prosperity and Splendor policy, Rs. 28 billion has been allocated for the ‘Sapiri Gamak’ (complete village) project and each Grama Niladhari Division is to receive Rs. 2 million.
