New circular offers financial aid to disaster-affected businesses

Colombo, Jan. 23 (Daily Mirror) - The government has issued a new circular granting additional financial assistance to businesses affected and disrupted by recent disasters, with the aim of restoring livelihoods and improving living conditions in affected communities.

According to the circular, the relief measures will be implemented under the empowerment programme introduced through Budget Circular No. 08/2025 dated December 5, 2025, together with the amended circulars issued in relation to it. The initiative is designed to support the recovery of disaster-affected enterprises and facilitate a return to normalcy.

As part of the programme, a one-time rehabilitation grant will be provided to businesses that have stalled due to disaster-related impacts. The approved assistance levels are as follows:

Individual, small and micro businesses registered with the Ministry of Industry:

Rs. 200,000 per unit, subject to certification by the Divisional Secretary.

Individual, small and micro businesses registered with Divisional Secretariats:

Rs. 200,000 per unit, including unregistered permanent domestic businesses.

Commercial businesses operating from buildings:

Rs. 50,000 per unit.

Unregistered manufacturing industries, greenhouses, and similar ventures:

Rs. 50,000 per unit.

Temporary businesses, including pedestrian and mobile traders:

Rs. 25,000 per unit.

Authorities said the relief package is expected to strengthen economic resilience in disaster-affected areas and assist business owners in rebuilding their livelihoods more effectively.