RDB launches nationwide drive to create 14,014 entrepreneurs

The Regional Development Bank (RDB) has launched a nationwide initiative to develop at least one entrepreneur in each of Sri Lanka’s 14,014 Grama Niladhari divisions, aiming to strengthen small and medium-scale enterprises and accelerate economic growth

The ‘14,014 Entrepreneurs Operation’ was inaugurated in Divulapitiya on October 13 under the patronage of Labour Minister and Deputy Finance and Planning Minister Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando.

Addressing the launch ceremony, Dr. Fernando said channelling financial resources into entrepreneurship was essential for accelerating economic growth, adding that the Government was focusing on allocating funds to establish new businesses and expand entrepreneurial opportunities. He stressed that the RDB’s role under the programme would extend beyond providing loans to entrepreneurs, encompassing business development support, knowledge-sharing and assistance in accessing markets

The Minister said the Government was committed to creating a supportive environment for entrepreneurs and had instructed banks to address their financial requirements. He also emphasised that bribery in business dealings would no longer be tolerated. Dr. Fernando said maintaining financial discipline remained a key responsibility of the Government, noting that Sri Lanka’s progress towards economic stability following its financial crisis had drawn recognition from international organisations. The initiative will be implemented through six targeted programmes covering key economic and social sectors.

These include ‘Dheewara Diriya’, focusing on fisheries entrepreneurship; ‘Krushi Nawodaya’, aimed at agricultural entrepreneurs; ‘Ksheera Viplavaya’, targeting livestock development; ‘Liyasaviya’, promoting women’s entrepreneurship; ‘Heta Obata’, supporting youth entrepreneurs; and ‘Prabathaya’, focusing on entrepreneurship development in the Northern Province. Through these sector-specific programmes, the RDB aims to broaden access to finance and support the establishment of businesses across the country, particularly at the grassroots level. At the inauguration ceremony, Dr. Jayantha symbolically handed over cheques representing approved loan amounts to a group of small and medium-scale entrepreneurs. The initiative is expected to expand entrepreneurial opportunities across the island by combining financial assistance with business development support and improved market access.