The government has recently announced the implementation of an instant loan scheme for the upcoming festive season for all those facing economic difficulties and challenges due to Covid pandemic.
The circular to implement this loan scheme under the guidance of President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa on the instructions of Public Service Provincial Councils and Local Government Minister Janaka Bandara Tennakoon. It was issued on December 15 with the signature of Mr.J.J Ratnasiri.
The Ministry of Public Service had instructed in the relevant circular to provide relief under this loan scheme to the entire public service engaged in health, security, police etc. services which were dedicated to restore the normal life of the people in the country during the Covid epidemic.
Bank of Ceylon, People’s Bank, National Savings Bank, Regional Development Bank and Samurdhi Bank have facilitated the borrowing process.
When the head of the institution submits the certified list of his employees to the State Bank near the place of work, the bank branch will immediately credit the amount due to the employees’ accounts.
Loans to Government Retirees and Samurdhi recipients were entrusted to the Department of Pensions and Samurdhi Banks. It was also stated that this facility has been provided.
This supplementary festival loan scheme is to be provided at an interest rate of 0. 625 percent with a down payment of 10 months.
When the Samurdhi owners went to get these loans, the Samurdhi banks had informed them that the loans would be given to only five or three selected persons. Accordingly, the government has stated that not all Samurdhi holders will receive these instant loans. The friends of the Samurdhi officers are also selected. This is just one example. There are many people on this earth who are sighing at not being able to get the instant loans that the government has said.
In this regard, Thushara Indunil, Member of Parliament for the Samagi Jana Balawega also stated at a media briefing held in Colombo that giving a loan at a very low interest rate as a festive advance during the Christmas season is not a proactive program for the benefit of the people but another drama of the government.