National Chamber and NEDA conduct ‘Access to Finance Awareness Programme’

The National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka (NCCSL) and the National Enterprise Development Authority (NEDA) jointly organized a session on Access to Finance: Concessionary loan schemes for MSMEs on May 20, 2026 at the National Chamber of Commerce Auditorium.

The keynote address was delivered by Chathuranga Abeysinghe, Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, and the forum featured two focused technical presentations. Kuloja G. Peiris, Acting Director of the Department of Development Finance, Ministry of Finance discussed the concessionary support available to SMEs through government channels, while Jude T. Fernando, Chief Executive Officer of the National Credit Guarantee Institution, explained the institution’s role in facilitating lending, particularly for SMEs without sufficient collateral. The session was powered by Bank of Ceylon.

The panel discussion on bridging the gaps in SME financing and improving access to credit facilities featured insights from Kuloja G. Peiris, Acting Director of the Department of Development Finance, Ministry of Finance; Jude T. Fernando, Chief Executive Officer of the National Credit Guarantee Institution; Dhanuka Liyanagamage, Director of National Enterprise Development Authority (NEDA); and K.G.C. Danushka, Chief Manager –Development Banking, Bank of Ceylon. The session was moderated by Nilupul Chandrasena, Secretary General and CEO of the National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka (NCCSL). The discussion further explored the key challenges faced by SMEs in accessing finance and highlighted possible policy and institutional interventions, followed by an interactive Q& A session with both physical and virtual participants.

The National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka and National Enterprise Development Authority remain committed to fostering SME growth through initiatives that bring together government institutions, financial organizations, and development agencies. NCCSL extends its sincere appreciation to Lakshman Abeysekera, Chairman of NEDA; Dhanuka Liyanagamage, Director of NEDA; Oshani Bodhiwansha, Assistant Director of NEDA; and the entire NEDA team for their enormous support in organizing a successful program.

Source : Daily News