Local drug producers welcome creation of State Ministry for pharmaceuticals manufacture

The Sri Lanka Pharmaceutical Manufacturers’ Association (SLPMA) has welcomed the creation of a new State Ministry for pharmaceuticals manufacture as a crucial positive step towards the strengthening of the local pharmaceuticals industry.

 The Association, in a statement issued soon after the swearing in of the new cabinet and State Ministers, emphasised the importance of its contribution to the nation and local manufacturers to ensure the availability of essential pharmaceuticals and expressed its confidence in the government’s vision for the nation.

SLPMA President Sanjaya Jayaratne, who is also Chairman of Navesta Pharmaceuticals (Pvt.) Ltd., said: “The Sri Lanka Pharmaceutical Manufacturers’ Association warmly welcomes the new government headed by Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa. We look forward to working with Minister of Health, Pavithra Wanniarachchi and State Minister of Pharmaceutical Production, Supply and Regulation Prof. Channa Jayasumana as we work towards a robust local pharmaceuticals industry.”

Prof. Jayasumana was accommodated among the State Ministers as a representative of Viyathmaga, a civil society organization established by Gotabaya Rajapaksa at the onset of his presidential campaign.

Members of the Sri Lanka Pharmaceutical Manufacturers’ Association have actively reinvested over Rs. 15 billion over the past five years on capacity building and market expansion, setting up new plants and upgrading current facilities to enhance the manufacture of a wider range of medicines and infrastructure for the Sri Lankan market and for export. Currently holding 15% of the local pharmaceuticals market, the SLPMA aims to help the country by increasing the production of world-class pharmaceuticals locally to provide quality cost-effective medicines to all Sri Lankans. As the official body for local pharmaceutical manufacturers, the SLPMA holds frequent dialogues on matters concerning the development of the industry with key stakeholders.

 Further commenting on the new government, Jayaratne said, “As the representative body of local manufacturers of pharmaceuticals and pharmaceutical products, we warmly welcome the establishment of a State Ministry for Pharmaceuticals by the newly elected government. This highlights the importance the state places on a self-sufficient local pharmaceutical manufacturing industry in the country and is an encouragement to the industry. The association will work towards strengthening ties with the government and expanding on our contribution to the national healthcare sector by expanding on the guaranteed buy back agreement for local pharmaceuticals currently in effect. The SLPMA has always stood for quality affordable pharmaceuticals and will support the government secure the highest quality medicines for the most affordable prices.”

 The establishment of the first privately owned Pharmaceutical Manufacturing facility in the year 1956 marked the beginning of the Sri Lanka Pharmaceutical Manufacturers’ Association (SLPMA). In the six decades since, its membership has grown to fifteen entities including multinational pharmaceutical companies, established local Conglomerates, innovative new ventures and the State Pharmaceuticals Manufacturing Corporation (SPMC). The Association recently held its 55th Annual General Meeting held recently at the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce. Sanjaya Jayaratne was elected President at the meeting, while Kalana Hewamallika, Chairman and Managing Director of Gamma Pharmaceuticals (Pvt) Ltd and Interpharm (Pvt) Ltd was elected Vice President of the Association.

 The SLPMA is an affiliated trade association coming under the aegis of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce and comprises those members who are solely involved in the manufacture and distribution of medicines in Sri Lanka. The SLPMA Secretariat is based at the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce and can also be reached on (011) 5588836.