Kabir Hashim vows to cut off ear if government establishes SME bank this year

By Saman Indrajith

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Kegalle District Parliamentarian Kabir Hashim yesterday (19) said he would cut off one of his ears if the government succeeded in establishing a State Development Bank for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) within this year, as proposed in the 2025 Budget.

Speaking during the Second Reading debate on Budget 2025, Hashim criticised the government for failing to provide details about the proposed bank. He questioned whether the necessary funds had been secured and what steps had been taken to implement the initiative.

“If the State Development Bank is established within this year, I will cut off my ear,” he declared.

Responding to his remarks, Minister Sunil Handunnetti retorted that Hashim might have to cut off his tongue instead, as work on the bank had already commenced.

Handunnetti stated that discussions were underway with three state banks to secure Rs. 50 billion in funding. As an initial step, a regional bank had identified 15,000 farmers as potential beneficiaries, confirming that progress was being made towards establishing the State Development Bank.