COLOMBO (News 1st) – MP Dinesh Gunawardena questioned in parliament today whether the Government is providing any respite to local industries.

The Parliamentarian noted that allowing foreign goods to flood the local market, at a time when interest on loans has been increased, through bilateral agreements poses a grave threat to local industries. Gunawardene went onto claim that thousands had lost their jobs and that they cannot remain silent until state enterprises are shut down.

Minister of Industry and Commerce Rishad Bathiudeen noted that his ministry has not been informed of any industries closing down but added that 120 investors had come forward to express interest in the Horana industrial zone.

As the debate raged on Min. Batiudeen stated that he was happy that the current government removed the post and airport development levy on machinery used for industries such as agriculture and dairy products. The minister went onto note that he has launched two SME low-interest loan scheme.

However, Dinesh Gunawardene continues to question the Minister on whether he plans on removing the cess tax and added that the President had been holding emergency meetings over the past 3 weeks on the economy.

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