Cabinet Expands Concessional Loans to Empower 50,000 Youth Entrepreneurs 📈

The Sri Lankan Cabinet has approved the expansion of a low-interest loan scheme designed to foster entrepreneurship and stimulate rural economic activity. • Overall Target: The initiative aligns with the Government’s policy to create 50,000 new entrepreneurs over a five-year period. • Funding & Scalability: Following an initial Rs. 500 million allocation in 2025, an additional Rs. 750 million has been allocated in the 2026 Budget to scale the program. • Sector Focus: Support is specifically targeted at young entrepreneurs within the agriculture, livestock, and industrial sectors to enhance value addition and employment. • Concessional Terms: Loans will be disbursed at a highly competitive annual interest rate of 4%. • Participating Banks: The scheme will be facilitated through the Bank of Ceylon (BOC), People’s Bank, and the Regional Development Bank (RDB). This move aims to drive inclusive economic growth by providing affordable finance to youth-led ventures, particularly in rural regions.