Mar 26, Colombo: Sri Lankan Prime Minister Rathnasiri Wickramanayaka today in an official ceremony handed over the first set of loan documents to journalists at the Temple trees.

At the ceremony nearly 75 media personnel received low interest loans to by media equipment or motor bicycles.

Under the loan programme the journalists would be able to get loans at a concessionary interest rate of 5% to buy media equipment. The equipments include computers, motorcycles, cameras and mobile phones.

The loan scheme proposed under the "Mahinda Chinthana" concept was aimed at enhancing the living conditions of journalists and allowing them to obtain media equipment to continue their profession successfully.

The Ministry of Mass Media and Information has already received 1172 applications for the loans and 444 candidates have been selected to receive loans.

Minister of Mass Media and Information Anura Priyadharshana Yapa, Minister of Mass Media Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena, Presidential Advisor A H M Azwer and General Manager of Bank of Ceylon and Secretary Ministry of Mass Media and Information Mr.A.Dissanayake also attended the ceremony.