Peace in Sri Lanka

A sum of Rs. 300, 000 (Three hundred thousand Rupees) granted by the Rotary Club of Windward Oahu (Hawaii) via the Rotary Club of Colombo North was distributed to 06 Tsunami affected women in Trincomalee through the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Trincomalee in the form of loans to develop their businesses. The Peace Secretariat (SCOPP) handed over the cheque for Rs 300,000 obtained from the Rotary Club of Colombo North to the Chamber of Commerce of Trincomalee.

A sum of Rs 50,000 was distributed to each of the 6 women at a small function held at the Chamber of Commerce Office, Trincomalee on the 5th April 2008. The Deputy Secretary General of SCOPP, Mr. C.S. Poolokasingam, Director Ms. Dayani Panagoda and Assistant Director Ms. Amanthi Wickramasinghe participated at this function. The Chamber of Commerce of Trincomalee Chairman Mr. R.Rajarammohan, Secretary K.Thiruchchelvam, Treasurer Mr.Sarathchandera Wijesooriya, Director & Board Members Sandya Priyadarshini, R. Ravichchnderamohan, and Chief Executive Officer S. Mohanasundaram also participated in the proceedings.

The six beneficiaries are currently engaged in retail, sewing, dress, dry fish, vegetable, and furniture businesses.

A seventh beneficiary (now identified) will be handed over a remaining sum of Rs. 50, 000 to commence a Dress making business, on a date in the near future.

This loan is issued to start new businesses or develop existing businesses. Receiver of this loan should settle this loan within a period of thirteen months. If any unavoidable circumstances occur a further period of 02 months will be given as a grace period. Interest will not be collected against this loan. Receiver of this loan should pay the monthly installment Rs. 4000 for 12 months and Rs 2000 on the 13th month on the 5th of every month. Receiver of the loan should give two guarantors against their loan. Recovered money will be given to other female business people as loans.