Northern development institute launches financial literacy project
Text and Pic by Jaffna Correspondent N. Parameswaran
The Northern Institute of Development Initiatives ( NIDI) recently launched a major Financial Literacy and Small Enterprises Management project for the Northern province.
Its launch was at the end of a 4-day workshop conducted for 40 candidates from the University of Jaffna and from the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Yaarlpaanam, directed by NIDI.
The 5-year project to train 1000 young graduates and entre preneurs in the Northern Province of Sri Lanka, according to NIDI Founder Dr. Guy de Fontgalland, is to bring about an entrepreneurial culture which will lead to the establishment of many small and medium ventures, creating employment and generating income in the province.
The first phase of the project consisting of the training of 40 candidates was in collaboration with the Faculty of Commerce and Business Studies of the Jaffna University, the Ministry of Nat i o n a l Policies and Economic Affairs, HNB and the Chamber of Commerce and Industries of Yaarlpaanam. The Indian Consul General in Jaffna, H. Balachandran sent his greetings to the project and wished it success.
HNB has offered to advise and assist young entrepreneurs in the North and provide required financial ser- vices. NIDI and HNB are planning to work closely to research viable ventures and provide business planning and advisory services to new enterprises which will have a higher rate of success.
Professor T. Velnampy from the University of Jaffna, Damian Ranjit and his team from HNB, A.K. Vignesh from the Chamber of Commerce and Industries of Yaarlpaanam, Dr. Prabu Nadaraja and Dr. Shribavan Kanesamoorthy from NIDI acted as resource persons. The programme was directed by NIDI founder Dr. Guy de Fontgalland.