Laksala looks to government sector to boost purchases,help local craftsmen

by Irangika Range

The Rural Industries and Self-Employment Promotion Ministry will submit a cabinet paper to supply Laksala products to all government bodies.

This will help local products manufacturers and increase consumption of local products in the government sector.

Laksala Chairperson Somakumari Tennekoon said that the main aim of this programme is to change the culture of utilising foreign products and persuade public servants the value of local products which will help to develop the national economy.

She said that local craftsmen supply various types of consumer handicrafts to the Laksala which can fulfil the general needs of government organisations. 'As a result of the open economy, many go for foreign products to fulfil even common needs neglecting local items.

We should change this attitude of the people to respect locally made products. It would increase local craftsmen's economic standards because over 4000 craftsmen depend on Laksala for their livelihood,' Tennekoon said. Under this programme, Laksala will implement handicrafts focussed strategies to purchase high quality products from craftsmen and supply regularly to meet the demand of the government sector.

Laksala will modernise to provide better value added service to its customers.

The Laksala furniture shop in Moratuwa will be modernised and it will be able to meet the furniture demand of government bodies.