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The end of the decades long conflict has resulted in the creation of a significant positive impact, not just in the Northern Province, but also in the entire country. To benefit by this positive outlook, it is crucial that we start new businesses and expand on-going ventures. In this regard, I am happy to note that the HSBC, which brands itself as the “World’s Local Bank”, could now offer both corporate and small customers a full range of financial products and services. In doing so, they, as well as all other banks who are doing business in these emerging areas, will face the challenges of borrowers not possessing long credit histories or not possessing adequate collateral. This situation will certainly pose challenges, but we would like to urge all bankers that they should practice innovative cash flow based lending methods at least for 2 to 3 years, and not to be too constrained by security based lending only. I also urge financial institutions to lend the money mobilized from the region for the development of this region. Finally, let me place on record my appreciation of the presence of the High Commissioner of the UK, Dr. Peter Hayes at this opening ceremony. Your support to this effort would certainly encourage the business community both here in Jaffna and elsewhere in Sri Lanka, and I thank you for your gesture. Let me also congratulate HSBC on this auspicious occasion of opening the first foreign bank branch in Jaffna.