Sri Lanka, March 18 -- (18 March) - The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $100 million loan to provide small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Sri Lanka more access to finance and build their resilience to external shocks, such as the economic crisis and climate change.

"SMEs play a critical role in Sri Lanka's economy, contributing 52% to the country's gross domestic product and employ 45% of the population," said ADB Senior Financial Sector Specialist Manohari Gunawardhena. "It is therefore important to provide SMEs, particularly women-led enterprises, with the necessary support to sustain and grow the sector's contribution to the economy. This project will provide working capital and improve SMEs' access to finance, hel...