The Hon. (Ms.) Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney-at-Law

¶ 01 Mr./Madam Presiding Member, I address this question to the Hon. (Dr.) Harshana Suriyapperuma, Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning.

¶ 02 According to reports to the Colombo Stock Exchange, the Bank of Ceylon has recorded a pre-tax profit of Rs. 30 billion for the first quarter of 2025. In light of these successful results, please clarify the following regarding credit facilities and ancillary services provided by the Bank of Ceylon to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs):

¶ 03 (a) i. For 2025 to date, what is the total amount of loans granted to SMEs in rupees and the number of loan facilities?

¶ 04 ii. What is the total amount repaid by SMEs during the first quarter?

¶ 05 iii. What is the district-wise breakdown of the loan amounts?

¶ 06 iv. Of the loans granted, what are the amounts and number of facilities by size band: under Rs. 5 million; Rs. 5–10 million; Rs. 10–25 million; Rs. 25–50 million; and over Rs. 50 million?

¶ 07 v. Of the loans granted, what are the amounts provided to women and to youth, respectively?

¶ 08 (b) Does the bank have any non-credit programmes to support SMEs?

¶ 09 i. If so, please provide details.

¶ 10 ii. If not, why?