Govt. invites more investment into pharma manufacturing base

Health Deputy Minister Dr. Hansaka Wijemuni 

-Pic by Lasantha Kumara 

By Charumini de Silva

The Government has invited more local and foreign investment into the country’s pharmaceutical manufacturing industry, stressing that strengthening domestic production is not only an economic priority, but also a matter of national health security.

Addressing the 60th Annual General Meeting of the Sri Lanka Pharmaceutical Manufacturers’ Association (SLPMA) recently, Deputy Minister of Health Dr. Hansaka Wijemuni said local pharmaceutical manufacturers have become an integral part of the country’s healthcare system through their contribution to medicine availability, employment creation, technology adoption and reducing reliance on imports.

“The pharmaceutical manufacturing industry has remained an important pillar of Sri Lanka’s healthcare system. Local manufacturers have made a significant contribution by ensuring the continuous availability of essential medicines, creating employment, introducing new technologies and reducing our dependence on imports,” he said.

The Deputy Minister said the COVID-19 pandemic underscored the strategic importance of domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing, demonstrating that countries with strong local production capabilities were better equipped to respond to unexpected disruptions in global supply chains.

“The pandemic reminded the entire world of the importance of maintaining the capacity to produce essential medicines locally. Countries with strong domestic pharmaceutical industries were better prepared to face unforeseen challenges. Therefore, developing our local pharmaceutical manufacturing industry is not merely an economic objective. It is also a matter of national health security,” he noted.

The Deputy Minister acknowledged the commitment shown by pharmaceutical manufacturers who have continued investing in Sri Lanka despite the sector’s high capital requirements and stringent regulatory standards.

He noted that pharmaceutical manufacturing requires significant financial investment, advanced technology, highly qualified professionals and strict compliance with international quality standards.

“These are not easy investments to make. We recognise the confidence and commitment shown by entrepreneurs who have remained invested in this industry over many years,” he said.

Reaffirming Government support for the industry, Dr. Wijemuni stressed that public health and prudent use of taxpayer funds would remain the Government’s foremost responsibility.

“Every rupee spent on public healthcare comes from the people of Sri Lanka. It is taxpayers’ money. Therefore, our responsibility is to ensure that every procurement decision delivers the highest value, while maintaining the highest standards of quality, safety and equity,” he said.

He asserted that supporting domestic manufacturers and safeguarding public finances were complementary objectives rather than competing priorities.

“Our objective is clear. We must protect public investment while also creating a predictable environment for genuine investors. These two objectives are not contradictory; they reinforce each other,” he said.

The Deputy Minister urged local manufacturers to strengthen competitiveness by continuously improving efficiency, embracing innovation and adopting international best practices.

“A strong local pharmaceutical industry must be built on competitiveness rather than protection alone. Our manufacturers should continuously improve efficiency, embrace innovation, adopt international best practices and produce medicines that meet globally accepted quality standards at competitive prices,” he stressed.

He added that patients deserve access to high-quality medicines, the Government must receive value for public expenditure, and manufacturers require a transparent, consistent and stable policy environment that rewards quality and innovation.

“When these three objectives come together, everyone benefits,” he said.

Dr. Wijemuni also encouraged both domestic and international investors to consider Sri Lanka as a destination for pharmaceutical manufacturing, highlighting opportunities beyond serving the local market.

“There are opportunities not only to meet domestic demand, but also to expand into regional and international markets,” he said.

He assured the industry that the Health Ministry would continue working closely with all stakeholders to improve the regulatory environment while maintaining patient safety as its highest priority.

The Deputy Minister reminded stakeholders that pharmaceutical manufacturing ultimately exists to serve patients.

“Behind every tablet, every capsule, every vial and every bottle of medicine is a patient waiting for treatment and a family hoping for recovery. That responsibility must guide all of us,” he said.

He called on all stakeholders to work together to build a pharmaceutical industry that is trusted for its quality, respected for its integrity, competitive in global markets and capable of supporting the health and wellbeing of every Sri Lankan.