All set for Divi Neguma fourth stage

Ridma Dissanayake

Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa sought the assistance of all stakeholders for the successful implementation of the fourth stage of the Divi Neguma.

The fourth stage of the Divi Neguma Programme to uplift the living standards of the people in low income families is to be launched soon, the minister said addressing state, private bank and local and international Non - Governmental Organization representatives at the Economic Development Ministry recently.

He said the Divi Neguma fourth stage will give prominence to agriculture, livestock, fisheries,home economics, industries and marketing sectors. Samurdhi, agricultural, Gramasewa officers and midwives will serve as government facilitators for the programme.

Minister Rajapaksa held special discussions with bank representatives on granting loans to small and medium entrepreneurs and promised to extend their fullest co-operation for the success of the "Divi Neguma" fourth stage.

NGO representatives have agreed to train officials attached to this programme.

Senior Ministers Athauda Seneviratne and Milroy Fernando were also presented.