Launch of a concessionary loan scheme for MBBS and BSc SHS students to purchase computer devices

People’s Bank has offered a concessionary loan scheme for medical and SHS students to purchase computer devices upon a request made by the Medical Students Union of Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya under the guidance of Prof Madawa Chandratilake, Department of Medical Education. The loan facility of up to Rs 200000 has been made available for students at an interest rate of 9.5% with a grace period of up to five years for repayment. This will be a very useful step in strengthening the e-learning approach adopted by the faculty since the beginning of the COVID 19 lockdown.

The formal launch of the loan scheme was held on 15 June 2020 at People’s Bank, Ragama branch, and cheques were symbolically handed over to several eligible applicants. The occasion was graced by the Dean, Faculty of Medicine, and Acting Vice-Chancellor, University of Kelaniya. Prof Prasantha Wijesinghe, Regional Manager, Mr Nalin Pathiranage, and Assistant Regional Manager, Mr. MHM Rizan, Branch Manageress, Mrs. Shyama Nawagamuwa, Professor Madawa Chandratilake, Dr Thilina Palihawadena and officials of the Medical Faculty Student Union.

During the occasion, the long-standing collaboration between the University of Kelaniya and People’s Bank was highlighted and the usefulness of this loan scheme to make e-learning meaningful for students was emphasized. The People’s Bank has decided to extend this loan scheme for engineering, IT and architecture undergraduates of all universities in Sri Lanka. In addition, a multipurpose loan scheme at the same concessionary rate has been arranged for final year students of these disciplines.

The launch of the loan scheme within a short period was facilitated by the Deputy General Manager, People’s Bank, Mr. K B Rajapkase, and the collaboration between the faculty and the People’s Bank was initiated by Mrs. UTMID Tennakoon, Bursar, University of Kelaniya.