National Microfinance Study of Sri Lanka: Survey of Practices and ...

International Centre for the Training of Rural Leaders
The International Centre for the Training of Rural Leaders (ICTRL) is based in
Embilipitiya and has undertaken training of staff from a number of agencies and
organisations in the Sinhala medium. The ICTRL provides training in social
mobilisation, leadership, accounting and microfinance. Giving staff, office
bearers and volunteers of village societies and CBOs 'hands on' training in how to
manage and maintain financial records up to preparation prior to audit.
It is regarded as the most effective microfinance and capacity building training
organisation in the country at present and undertook the training of the Women's
Development Foundation (Janashakthi) staff as well as the initial training for the
Samurdhi Programme. ICTRL was the training organisation used by the UNDP's
Civil Society Organisation (CSO), training the members of all of the CBOs
created by this project. The ICRTL was also involved somewhat in the training
of staff and volunteers in the Small Farmers and Landless Credit Project and is
used by INGOs such as FORUT and World Vision for some of their microfinance
and capacity building training requirements.
This is an excellent organisation and training facilitator for the microfinance
sector however it has a small base of trainers and this needs developing as does
the presentation of courses in the Tamil medium.
b) Local Level Facilitators
Jaffna Microfinance Focal Group
This group was initiated in 2000 to bring together the staff of International
Agencies and INGOs that were involved in the development and implementation
of microfinance projects and programmes. FORUT held a microfinance
workshop and from this the UNDP initiated the group and were joined by CARE
International, FORUT, GTZ and recently UNHCR.
The group meets once a month to discuss and compare projects their,
implementation, monitoring and evaluation. Subjects such as the application of
market related interest rates, portfolio management and good and best practice
standards and sustainability are subjects that have been discussed. The intention
is to standardise practices and to avoid overlap of the schemes that are in
operation through co-operation and co-ordination. It is hoped that this group will
grow to include other practitioners in the Jaffna District and that external actors
such as the commercial banks and the GoSL will also become involved in the
future.
There is a need for this group to link with the MFN so that the national network
can be extended into the North and East region.
Wanni Area Microfinance Focal Group
OXFAM initiated this group in 2000 with a workshop on microfinance that was
attended by CARE International, FORUT, OXFAM and UNHCR. These
international organisations shared their practices and experiences in the
microfinance sector and have decided to co-operate with each other in the future.
The issues of sustainability, training and standards of practice are the subjects that
so far have been discussed. Again there is a need for this group to link with the
MFN so that a broader national network can be established.