LDB launches Deewara Diriya

by Sapumali GALAGODA

The Management of Lankaputhra Development Bank (LDB) has drawn up plans to open branches in Jaffna, Mannar and Trincomalee shortly.

LDB will disburse a sum of over Rs35 million rupees to fishermen under the Deewara Diriya loan scheme. This loan scheme, jointly implemented by the Wennappuwa Branch of LDB and the Provincial Ministry of Fisheries, was launched at the Karuppane fishing village in Chilaw.

Provincial Minister of Fisheries Sanath Nishantha handing over the first cheque issued under the loan scheme. Manager Wennappuwa branch LDB, Udaya Ranatunga is also in the picture.

This scheme will benefit fishermen of the North Western Province.

The money will be disbursed through fisheries development Societies covering the North Western Province.

Manager Wennappuwa branch LDB, Udaya Ranatunga, said that funds are disbursed to fishermen without the traditional collateral and guarantees. Ranatunga further said that LDB is offering simplified and flexible banking services to fishermen with minimum documentation.

The loan scheme will be extended to fishing villages of Kalpitiya, Kandakuliya, Chilaw and Negombo in association with the provincial ministry of fisheries.

LDB which is a fully state owned entity was launched with the aim of boosting the national economy. Several projects are being implemented by LDB to promote the small and medium scale entrepreneurship sector, including the Kurshi Navodaya , Mahaweli and Nawa Sapiri rural loan schemes. The Bank also offers several savings schemes for the young with attractive rates of interest. In addition, LDB provides leasing facilities as well.

The Bank has branches in Colombo, Hambantota, Polonnaruwa, Kegalle, Kandy, Wennappuwa and Batticaloa.