Categories: Headlines

Women’s chamber hails budget as “women-friendly”

“Women-friendly” is how Chathuri Ranasinghe, Chairperson Women’s Chamber of Industry and Commere, described the 2018 budget.

In a statement she said that from the perspective of women’s empowerment, the chamber welcomed the budget. It was heartening to note that the budget incorporates many a proposal in respect of gender equality.

“The proposal to support majority women owned enterprises, by the proposal to grant a 10 per cent interest relief for loans obtained by female entrepreneurs is highly commendable and will be of great encouragement for women entrepreneurs. The proposal to improve child care facilities will certainly enhance women participating in the workforce.”

The statement said that Small and Medium Entrepreneurs will immensely benefit by the Rs 10,000 million allocation to establish an EXIM Bank to provide long term loans for SMEs and the Rs. 750 million allocated for launch of Enterprise Sri Lanka loan scheme. A 15 per cent interest relief for loans obtained by disabled entrepreneurs, the Rs. 3 billion fund to be established to fund IT Sector SME’s and local start-ups.

“The One Stop Shop to be established by the Registrar of Companies would enable the hassle free registration which would encourage the entrepreneurs becoming privileged legal entities. The reduction in the prices of essential items like sprats, potatoes, dhal and onions will help particularly our rural women in some measure to balance their domestic budgets. It is important now to ensure that these proposals are implemented and sustained so that they impart the benefits that are intended for the entrepreneurs especially the women who are entrepreneurs/professionals in business, who juggle the roles of also being a wife, mother and home maker,” she said.

Lankanewspapers

Recent Posts

LNP – Toll of deaths, injuries, missing persons due to adverse weather increases

The number of deaths caused by adverse weather resulting from the deep depression over the…

14 hours ago

LNP – Temporary vehicle number plates valid till December 15

The validity period of temporary vehicle number plates issued by the Department of Motor Traffic…

14 hours ago

LNP – Law College entrance exam and another exam postponed

The Examinations Department has announced the postponement of the 2024 Sri Lanka Law College General…

17 hours ago

LNP – Very heavy showers expected in parts of the island today

The Meteorology Department says the deep depression over the southwest Bay of Bengal was located…

21 hours ago

LNP – 7 including one uncapped Sri Lankan player earn IPL 2025 deals

Sri Lankan cricketers have made significant inroads into the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, with…

21 hours ago

LNP – Over 207,000 people affected by bad weather across 17 districts

Inclement weather conditions have affected a total of 207,582 individuals from 59,629 families across 17…

2 days ago