Thursday Jun 11, 2026
Thursday Jun 11, 2026
Thursday, 11 June 2026 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa
Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa indicated that medicine prices could be revised upward as authorities assess the impact of rising import costs, exchange rate movements and increasing production expenses on the pharmaceutical sector.
Speaking at the weekly post-Cabinet meeting media briefing on Tuesday, he said the Health Ministry had received several requests from the pharmaceutical industry seeking a revision of medicine prices, although “no decision” has yet been taken.
“There is a possibility to revise prices when the exchange rate changes by more than 5%, although there is an existing pricing formula. To review and revise the maximum retail prices (MRPs) of medicines, it is necessary to observe the average fluctuation of the US dollar. We are currently analysing the exchange rate movements and the requests submitted by importers,” he said.
The development comes amid growing concerns from the pharmaceutical industry over mounting supply chain pressures and escalating operational costs.
Sri Lanka remains heavily dependent on imported medicines, with imports valued at $ 667 million last year.
The Sri Lanka Chamber of the Pharmaceutical Industry (SLCPI) recently warned that increasing costs across the pharmaceutical supply chain are placing the uninterrupted availability of essential and life-saving medicines at risk.
It added that depreciation of the Sri Lankan rupee has further increased import costs, adding pressure on pharmaceutical suppliers and importers.
According to the Chamber, maintaining regular medicine supplies has become increasingly challenging due to a combination of exchange rate volatility, rising global supply chain costs, higher freight and fuel charges, and escalating clearance expenses.
Warning of broader consequences for the healthcare system, the Chamber said failure to address the issue promptly could result in delayed treatment, reduced medicine availability and increased pressure on patients, pharmacies, hospitals and healthcare providers.
“This is no longer just an industry issue. It is an issue of national preparedness and continuity of care. If urgent steps are not taken now, the country risks moving into a situation where medicine shortages become harder to avoid and even harder to recover from,” the Chamber warned.
