The Success Story of Photographer Madhawa Mihiran

The Bank of Ceylon (BOC), Sri Lanka’s leading financial institution, is empowering young entrepreneurs through its BOC Youth Loan Scheme, a financial initiative designed to foster business growth and economic empowerment among the country’s youth. The scheme, which has already provided financial assistance to over 10,000 aspiring business owners, offers capital and also guidance to young individuals in transforming their business aspirations into tangible success stories.

The BOC Youth Loan Scheme is aimed at supporting ambitious individuals looking to start their entrepreneurial journey or expand their existing ventures. By offering financial assistance along with expert guidance, the programme enables young business owners to overcome financial hurdles and focus on strategic growth. From investing in technology and equipment to expanding into new markets, the scheme has created opportunities across a diverse range of industries, including retail, manufacturing, agriculture, and creative services.

One such inspiring success story is that of Madhawa Mihiran, a graduate from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura and a passionate photographer who transformed his love for photography into a thriving business. Mihiran’s journey began with a small studio space and a dream. However, with the support of the BOC Youth Loan Scheme, he was able to invest in essential equipment, upgrade his services, and expand his clientele.

“The financial support I received through the BOC Youth Loan Scheme allowed me to take my business to the next level,” Mihiran shared. “It provided me with the resources I needed to upgrade my equipment and build my brand with confidence. The guidance from the bank helped me make smart decisions and achieve long-term growth.”

Mihiran first learned about the loan scheme through a friend and saw it as an opportunity to overcome financial constraints that had previously limited his business expansion. The loan enabled him to acquire advanced technology, streamline his operations, and enhance service quality. Beyond the financial assistance, the mentorship provided by BOC gave him the insights needed to navigate the challenges of running a business alongside his academic commitments.

The BOC Youth Loan Scheme is structured to be accessible and practical, ensuring that young entrepreneurs can secure the necessary financial resources without excessive bureaucracy. This streamlined approach allows them to concentrate on their business goals rather than dealing with complex administrative hurdles.

Balancing business aspirations with academic responsibilities was initially a challenge for Mihiran. However, with perseverance, strategic planning, and the structured support of the BOC Youth Loan Scheme, he has successfully built a strong foothold in the competitive photography industry. He encourages other young entrepreneurs to take advantage of the Youth Loan Scheme initiative by the Bank of Ceylon, emphasising that with the right financial support and determination, success is within reach.