Sept 28, Colombo: State Minister of Finance Ranjith Siyambalapitiya has requested the Heads of State Banks provide maximum relief to entrepreneurs who have taken loans while protecting the banking system in the face of the ongoing economic crisis.

Meeting with the heads of state banks Tuesday, the minister pointed out that some entrepreneurs have been affected in the situation where banks have increased their interest rates in order to protect liquidity.

He emphasized that even though it is necessary to take that step to protect the banking system, it is also extremely important to protect the businessmen.

Therefore, the Minister asked the bank heads to look into the possibility of providing relevant concessions following the guidelines given by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka.

Mr. Siyambalapitiya also requested the State Banks to inform the Ministry about the measures taken by the concerned banks in this regard.

Senior officers of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka and senior officers of all state banks participated in this discussion held yesterday afternoon (27) with the heads of state banks at the Ministry of Finance premises.