The launch of Sri Lanka’s first locally manufactured self-dialysis solution bags by Kelun Lifesciences has coincided with the World Kidney Day.

The company said the new supply bags, designed for home-based self-dialysis treatment, would benefit thousands of Sri Lankans suffering from chronic kidney disease by allowing them to undergo treatment in the comfort of their homes.

The launch represents a significant development in the country’s healthcare sector as the dialysis solutions are produced at Sri Lanka’s only sterile injectable manufacturing facility to receive the prestigious EU Good Manufacturing Practice (EU GMP) certification.

Company officials said the certification places Sri Lanka among a small group of nations capable of producing sterile pharmaceutical products under the strict regulatory standards required by the European Union.

“This milestone elevates Sri Lanka into the same elite tier as established pharmaceutical manufacturing nations such as Germany and Switzerland,” the company said, noting that the EU certification also enables the export of locally produced sterile medicines to highly regulated global markets.

The newly introduced self-dialysis bags support a treatment method known as Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD), which allows patients to perform dialysis themselves without frequent hospital visits.

Health sector specialists say the technology can significantly ease the burden faced by patients with chronic kidney disease, many of whom must travel long distances for treatment several times a week.

“With this technology, patients can carry out dialysis in their own homes. It gives them greater independence and restores valuable time to their lives,” company officials said.

Kelun Lifesciences noted that the local production of dialysis solutions would also enhance the country’s health security by reducing reliance on imported medical fluids.

The company said replacing imported dialysis fluids with locally manufactured alternatives would help retain millions of dollars in foreign exchange annually while strengthening Sri Lanka’s pharmaceutical manufacturing capacity.

Officials added that the EU-certified facility would also open new avenues for export earnings, enabling Sri Lanka to compete in high-value pharmaceutical markets.

The initiative coincides with the global theme of World Kidney Day 2026, which emphasises the need to “care for people and protect the planet.”

Kelun Lifesciences said producing dialysis solutions locally would also reduce the environmental impact associated with long-distance shipping of medical supplies.

Industry analysts say the development represents a step forward in Sri Lanka’s efforts to transform itself from a consumer of pharmaceutical imports into a producer of high-quality medical supplies for both domestic use and export.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya held a series of bilateral meetings with senior officials of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) on 10 March at the ADB Headquarters in Manila, during her official visit to the Philippines. The discussions focused on strengthening development cooperation between Sri Lanka and the ADB, reviewing ongoing projects, and exploring opportunities for future collaboration.

The Prime Minister first met with ADB President Masato Kanda. During the meeting, both sides reaffirmed the strong partnership between Sri Lanka and the Asian Development Bank. President Kanda welcomed the Prime Minister’s visit and commended Sri Lanka’s efforts to stabilise the economy and advance recovery following the recent economic crisis.

Prime Minister Amarasuriya expressed Sri Lanka’s appreciation for the continued support extended by ADB, including assistance provided in response to the impacts of Cyclone Ditwah and the Bank’s broader development cooperation with the country. She highlighted the importance of ADB-supported initiatives across key sectors that contribute to Sri Lanka’s ongoing recovery and long-term development.

The Prime Minister also held discussions with Yingming Yang, Vice President (South, Central and West Asia) of ADB, where both sides reviewed the progress of ongoing ADB-funded projects in Sri Lanka and explored opportunities to further strengthen collaboration in areas such as health, education, and social development.

In a separate meeting with Christine Engstrom, Director General of Sectors Department 3, discussions focused on sector-specific initiatives supported by ADB, particularly in human and social development, public sector management, and financial sector reforms. The Prime Minister noted that future investments in the education sector should place greater emphasis on human resource development and improving the quality of teaching and learning, alongside infrastructure development.

Following these meetings, the Prime Minister participated in a Policy Dialogue on Education and Skills Development, which brought together representatives from ASEAN institutions, Philippine education authorities, and ADB officials. The dialogue focused on regional education systems, policy collaboration, and initiatives aimed at strengthening education and skills development frameworks.

During the discussion, the Prime Minister highlighted the importance of expanding education cooperation between Sri Lanka and the Philippines, particularly in areas of policy exchange and institutional collaboration. Participants also discussed the development of the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector and explored opportunities to strengthen skills development frameworks to better align with emerging economic demands.

The engagements in Manila reaffirmed the shared commitment between Sri Lanka, the Asian Development Bank, and regional partners to deepen cooperation in advancing sustainable development, strengthening education systems, and promoting inclusive economic growth.

(Prime Minister’s Media Division)

Bangladesh quick Nahid Rana’s maiden five-wicket haul sent Pakistan  tumbling to an eight-wicket defeat in the first ODI in Mirpur. Bangladesh completed the 115-run chase in 15.1 overs after they bowled out the visitors for 114. This was’s  Bangladesh’s biggest win by wickets and balls remaining against Pakistan.

Tanzid Hasan struck seven fours and five sixes in his unbeaten 42-ball 67, while Najmul Hossain Shanto made 27 with five fours. The pair added 82 runs for the second wicket, as this became the shortest ODI between Bangladesh and Pakistan in terms of total overs bowled.

It was all due to Rana, who had a huge influence in the game in his spell of seven overs. He picked up a wicket in each of his first five overs, as Pakistan sunk rapidly against Rana’s pace and bounce, reminiscent of the last time they came across the fast bowler. Rana had taken four wickets in the Rawalpindi Test in 2024.