State banks could be game changers for Sri Lanka artisan craft industry: PM

by Sanath Nanayakkare

Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday urged state banks to facilitate financing to skilled rural craft artisans and become a game changer in upscaling their competitiveness and growth in the global market.

“Procuring a business loan shouldn’t be a challenge for these rural entrepreneurs. Adequate infusion of capital should be made available for handicraft makers. The government has taken steps to enhance industries of traditional craftsmen by providing them various resources, entrepreneurial education, product innovation knowledge and also by helping them seek out broader market access. Now the state banks also have a role to play by providing them easier access to capital in order to keep their entrepreneurial spirit alive and grow their businesses,” the Prime Minister who is also the Minister of Finance said.

He made these remarks at the inauguration of ‘Shilpa Thursday’- the special handicrafts marketing promotional programme held at Diyatha, Battaramulla, which will continue to be held every Thursday.

Referring to Sujeewa Rajapakse, the chairman of People’s Bank who was a key invitee of the event, the Prime Minister said,” The People’s Bank chairman is here. The People’s Bank officials may visit these stalls, see these artisans’ real business capacity and assess how the bank can help them to take their business to the next level. Maybe the People’s Bank can set up a temporary banking facility at the site and gain first hand experience how viable these businesses are for further capital infusion”.

Wimal Weerawansa. Minister of Industries and Prasanna Ranaweera, State Minister of Rattan, Brass, Clay, Furniture and Rural Industry Promotion also spoke at the event.