Several licensed banks are showing keen interest to facilitate economic activities in the Northern and Eastern provinces.

Accordingly, Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC, Hatton National Bank PLC, National Savings Bank, People’s Bank, Sampath Bank PLC and Seylan Bank PLC are taking steps to open branches in Akkareipattu, Atchhuweli, Kalawanchikudy, Kilinochchi, Mallavi, Manipai, Mankulam, Mannar, Paranthan, Thunukkai and Valachchinei over the next few months.

Necessary approvals for this purpose have been granted by the Central Bank.

Licensed banks currently operating in the Northern and Eastern provinces have also committed to grant new credit facilities amounting to Rs.56 billion in 2010 and Rs.70 billion in 2011 in these two provinces.