Program to empower rural SMEs | Page 3 | Sunday Observer

Program to empower rural SMEs

8 October, 2017

Citi Bank in collaboration with the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce and Hatton National Bank initiated the ‘Rural Economic Empowerment Programme’ in June 2015 with the objective of empowering rural entrepreneurs through improving their financial literacy and business management skills as well as facilitating micro financing through mainstream banks.

The first phase of the project assisted over 400 rural entrepreneurs in four rural villages in Matara and Ratnapura Districts. Satisfied with the success of the first phase of the project, Citi provided the financial assistance to continue uplifting of livelihoods of people in rural areas by implementing a second phase of the project targeting a few more remote villages.

Citi is one of the leading foreign banks operating in Sri Lanka since 1979 and their decision to implement a second phase of the project signal’s their commitment towards promoting the worthy cause of livelihood development at grassroots level through sustainable financial inclusion. Citi Sri Lanka with Citi Foundation has engaged in many CSR projects since its inception, demonstrating its dedication towards enhancing the economic opportunities for individuals and families of Sri Lanka.

Under the second phase of the project, Hatton National Bank provided loan facilities to 30 micro and small scale businessmen in Nochchiyagama, Nachchaduwa, Nuwaragampalatha and Galnewa DS Divisions of Anuradhapura District on 22nd September, 2017. 

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