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| Sunday, 20 November 2005 |
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Business |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
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FCCISL Back to Business program The Back to Business Program initiated by the Federation of Chamber of Commerce and Industry Sri Lanka (FCCISL) to revive tsunami affected businesses has disbursed Rs 454.4 million as Loans, grants and support for women. Secretary General of the FCCISL Samantha Abeywickrema said that the program was started in March 2005 to help entrepreneurs to start life as quickly as possible. The funds for the grants were given by the Netherlands and the USAID "Revive funds" while the loans were given by 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, Abeywickrema said. Prior to initiating the program FCCISL conducted a survey in the eight districts affected by the tsunami. The survey has revealed that 10,000 entrepreneurs were affected directly while the amount affected indirectly was not revealed. 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 are 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 while we are also planning to sign a MoU with the TAFREN for further cooperation.(SG) |
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