The Government is to impose a control price for a face mask, said the Secretary to the State Ministry of Pharmaceutical Production, Supply and Regulation.

Rohitha Uduwawala speaking to News 1st said the decision will be made with the objective of boosting local production.

Accordingly, a control price will be imposed on Surgical Masks available in Sri Lanka.

Rohitha Uduwawala added the importation of such products will be restricted and discussions are underway with local producers.

In addition, the Government has decided to boost local medicine production.

The Secretary to the State Ministry of Pharmaceutical Production, Supply and Regulation said the government aims to increase domestic drug production from the current 15 percent to 40 percent.

He also said that a 400-acre land has been identified in the Hambantota area for the construction of a manufacturing facility.