Sri Lanka is currently negotiating with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for the early release of a proposed loan scheme, initially scheduled for later this year, due to the impact of Cyclone Ditwah, officials have reported.
Manjula Hettiarachchi, Director General of the Department of Development Finance, informed reporters, “We aim to activate several loans from the Asian Development Bank, particularly one focused on empowering small and medium businesses.” She added, “Originally, this loan was anticipated in September, but the government is now in discussions to secure it by mid-year.”
Hettiarachchi explained that in light of the recent crisis, discussions are underway to obtain the funds earlier to assist small and medium-sized entrepreneurs, thereby bolstering the agricultural value chain.
Of the total 200 million dollar concessional loan facility, approximately 100 million dollars will be allocated to support the SME sector. Additionally, another 70 million dollars from the ADB will be directed towards equipping agriculture-based small and medium entrepreneurs with new technology.
The funds will be administered under the concessional loan facilities provided by the Asian Development Bank.
(Colombo/Jan16/2026)
