Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) are the backbone of the economy in Sri Lanka, and if they are not given adequate relief for loan repayment and access to import raw materials, the economy will not be revived, says Chairman of Sri Lanka United National Businesses Alliance Tania Abeysundara. She made this statement during a media brief today (30). "SMEs are the backbone of the economy in Sri Lanka and a country cannot stand tall without SMEs. At this time, SME owners are not liable to pay the price for mismanagement by the Government. SMEs contribute over 57% to the local GDP, then why are SMEs penalised for no fault of theirs. Loan repayment periods must be extended and interest rates must be frozen until a restructure plan is in place. Freedom must be given to import the raw materials so that business can continue," says Abeysundara. She further noted that over 7.5 million workers are employed in SMEs and they must also be given the chance to continue with their jobs or else the economy collapses further. Adding to the statement made by Abeysundara, Vice Chairman of Sri Lanka United National Businesses Alliance Susantha Liyanaarachchi said that if a relief plan is not presented by the Government within the next 2 weeks, SMEs will not be continuing their loan repayments.