Move to settle defaulted loans in NE

Housing and machinery loans of people in the Northern and Eastern provinces will be settled through the banking network, said Posts and Telecommunication Minister, Mahinda Wijesekera at a ceremony to commemorate 120 years of service by the Hatton National Bank (HNB).

He said, discussions will be held with various banks to settle defaulted loans and help people to develop their businesses. Programs will be unveiled in the two provinces when the war ends.

"People who have been battered by a brutal war for several years need urgent assistance to revive their livelihood. A political solution has to be found for the Tamil people", he said.

HNB which commemorates a milestone in its history in an inimitable way changed lives, enhanced lifestyles and helped people to achieve their goals through products such as Gami Pubuduwa, Singithi, Pathum Vimana and Shanthi housing loans scheme. The Bank began in 1888 in the hill-station of Hatton and was appropriately named Hatton Bank. The modest beginnings focused on serving the fledgling tea industry that was beginning to make its mark. Chairman, HNB, Rienzie Wijetilleke said his bank will collaborate in the development programs for the Northern and Eastern provinces through its banking network. LF.