Wimal urges President to give priority to local firms in Govt. deals

Friday, 18 February 2022 00:18 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Industries Minister Wimal Weerawansa this week made a request to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to give priority for locally produced Government procurements.

Industries Minister Wimal Weerawansa

“Although it is said that the local producer takes the lead in the Government procurement process in our country, there are many instances where it is violated.

Despite being the biggest buyer, the Government is procuring the lowest amount of locally produced goods,” he told the President, who was present in the audience of the ‘National Industrial Awards 2022’ on Tuesday.

He said the economic model and the reality does not support the local manufacturers, when everything imported is given priority at Government procurement points.

“Often the local manufacturers claim that they get the least priority for their products at Government tender procedures. The data too shows that the Government procures the least percentage of goods from the local manufacturers. If we are to develop the local industries in a true sense, giving priority for their products is important to encourage them,” Weerawansa said.