Colombo: A pre-budget discussion with representatives of the pharmaceutical, veterinary medicine, Ayurvedic, and cosmetic manufacturing sectors was held this morning at the Presidential Secretariat, chaired by Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development, Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando. During the meeting, industry representatives expressed their full support for the government’s economic development programme led by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

According to News.LK, the discussions highlighted the challenges currently faced by these manufacturing sectors. Industry representatives presented several constructive proposals for the upcoming budget, aiming to address these challenges effectively. Minister Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando assured that all proposals would be given due consideration in preparing the next budget. He also noted that new laws might be introduced to ensure the production of quality, standardized products, if necessary.

The meeting was attended by Senior Additional Secre
tary to the President Kapila Janaka Bandara, Chairman of the Export Development Board Mangala Wijesinghe, officials from the Ministry of Finance, and representatives of the pharmaceutical, veterinary, Ayurvedic, and cosmetic manufacturing sectors.