Phase I of the Loan Scheme was implemented with effect from 1st April 2020. Both Phase II and III of the Loan Scheme were introduced with effect from 1st July 2020. The intension of these schemes was to provide a total of Rs. 150 billion as working capital loans at interest rate of 4 per cent per annum. These loans enjoyed a repayment period of 24-months, including a grace period of 6-months. The recipients were the businesses, including self-employment and individuals, adversely affected by the COVID-19 outbreak.

In view of the large number of requests received from the affected businesses, the Central Bank of Sri Lanka decided to accept applications regardless of the Rs.150 billion limit originally envisaged. All applications of the affected businesses received up to the announced deadline were therefore, served through the Loan Scheme.