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| Sunday, 25 December 2005 |
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Stopgap solution for 'Back to Business' by FCCISL The 'Back to Business' Program initiated by the Federation of Chamber of Commerce and Industry Sri Lanka (FCCISL) to revive tsunami affected businesses face many challenges such as lack of coordination among institutions and shortage of skilled labour. As an immediate solution to the shortage of skilled labour FCCISL will establish three construction centres in Kalutara, Trincomalee and Ampara at a cost of Rs. 80 million to provide training to people on different aspects of the construction industry, said President FCCISL Nawaz Rajabdeen. Funds will be provided by the governments of Netherlands and Germany while the training will be given by experts from Germany. He said the program hopes to disburse Rs. 750 million within a period of two and a half years and plans are afoot to rehabilitate 10,000 micro, small, medium and livelihood enterprises creating 50,000 employment opportunities. Secretary General of the FCCISL Samantha Abeywickrama said that the program was started in March 2005 to help entrepreneurs to restart life as quickly as possible. The funds were given by the Netherlands and the USAID "Revive funds" while the loans were from the Central Bank and disbursed through the People's Bank. He said that they are negotiating with donors for more funds. "Under the program we have facilitated 630 loans amounting to Rs. 404 million, while 2,245 persons have received grants amounting to Rs. 43 million. The program has also supported 596 women with funds amounting to Rs. 11.54 million. "We held 282 workshops on business counselling and have provided training to 2,140 persons", Abeywickrama said. He said that all enterprises be they livelihood, micro, small or medium enterprises engaged in any industry other than purchasing of fishing craft and fishing gear will be helped under the 'Back to Business' program. The FCCISL helps related industries such as ice plants and dried fish industry. Speaking of future programs, he said, that FCCISL is planning to release a report on the achievements of the program and forge a partnership with the SME Bank. The main ceremony to commemorate the tsunami disaster will be held at the BMICH while special ceremonies have been planned at regional chambers affiliated to FCCISL. (SG) |
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