MP Nalin Bandara: Is business lobby trying to sabotage Rs 41 billion hybrid grant from UK

SJB Kurunegala District MP Nalin Bandara Jayamaha has asked Tourism and Lands Minister Harin Fernando whether he is aware of a plot by a group of some businessmen to prevent the country from receiving Rs 41 billion hybrid grant from Great Britain, according to the latest Addendum to the Order Book of Parliament.

MP Bandara in a question to Minister Fernando says that Sri Lanka is due to receive a Rs 41 billion hybrid grant from ASUIA UK backed by world-renowned re-insurer, Lloyds of London and HSBC for the development of small and medium scale tourism.

The MP asks whether the Minister is aware that the Small and Medium Scale Tour Operators Association of Sri Lanka has pointed out that a group of large scale businessmen were trying to prevent the receipt of the grant by the country.

The MP also asks the Minister to inform the House of the measures that would be taken to receive that grant and if not why.

A hybrid grant typically refers to a type of funding or financial assistance that combines elements of different grant-making approaches. It might involve a mixture of financial support and other resources, such as mentorship, training, access to facilities, or networking opportunities.