Under a programme ‘Diyavara Diriya’, carried out by the Ministry of Fisheries & Aquatic Resources, in coordination with the Bank of Ceylon, a loan scheme will be commenced for the fishermen from next month (May 2011).

This will help the fishermen to purchase the fishing boats and nets and other equipments necessary for the fishing activities. One individual fisherman could receive a maximum loan of 10 lakhs rupees from this loan scheme.

According to this soft loan scheme an interest of 5.5% interest will be charged for loans below Rs.20 lakhs and 8% interest for loans above Rs.20 lakhs and the Fisheries Department pay an interest of 4%.