The National Development Bank (NDB) last week opened its sixth provincial branch at Ratnapura as part of a vigorous branch expansion programme.

``I am excited about the prospect of bringing specialized project lending to Sabaragamuwa entrepreneurs. We particularly hope to fill the need for cash flow based funding for thriving local industries like gem cutting, tea and rubber products,'' said Mr. Keerthi Liyanage, the manager of the new branch located in the hart of Ratnapura town.

NDB Chairman Nimal Sandaratne and Director/CEO Ranjit Fernando were present on the occasion of the branch opening which was preceded by a seminar organised by the Sabaragamuwa Chamber of Commerce at which senior NDB officials participated.

The NDB's CEO/Director Ranjit Fernando lights an oil lamp to declare open the bank's sixth branch at Ratnapura.

``Our officials handling lending to the small and medium industrial sector (SMI) explained the services we offer and the current lending schemes to regional businessmen and women. The seminar generated a lot of interest and already some have approached us with their funding needs,'' an NDB spokesman said.

A news release from the bank said that services on offer would include medium and long term finance at competitive rates, leasing and access to the bank's fund of expertise in the industrial and agricultural service sector developed over the years.

The branch will operate a special scheme known as the perennial crop development project (PCDP) implemented by the Central Bank. Plans are already underway to help banana growers in Embilipitiya to enhance their crops utilizing tissue culture as well as traditional methods, an NDB news release said. This project is supported by the Mahaweli Development Agency.

The NDB's Ratnapura Branch is located at 32S Zavia Mawatha.