Business

Ensuring sustainability in the pharma industry: key focus for 2021 says slcpi

Published

6 years ago

2021/01/2

The Sri Lanka Chamber of the Pharmaceutical Industry (SLCPI) reiterated their commitment towards ensuring the availability of efficacious, safe and good quality medicines to the general public, in the incoming year. When the COVID-19 pandemic forced the country into lockdown earlier this year, many industries, including pharmaceuticals, found themselves facing multiple challenges, which inevitably turned into valuable lessons for the year ahead.

Member companies of SLCPI were forced to act quickly to ensure the uninterrupted supply of medicine. They witnessed their business models change in real-time and at an unprecedented pace, which prompted the collaboration of various stakeholders to ensure that patients were always given priority.

From supply chain disruptions to the adaptation of new technology, SLCPI as an organisation is fully geared to face the year ahead and has identified several key areas that are seen as essential if the industry remains sustainable in the long run.

Creating a resilient supply chain

Locally and globally, one of the biggest lessons learnt during the pandemic for pharma-companies was managing pharmaceutical supply chain disruptions in response to COVID-19. With sudden changes to air routes and temporary interruptions to sea freight earlier this year, many companies had to formulate contingency plans to ensure an uninterrupted supply of medicine to the market. SLCPI member companies were quick to respond with critical adjustments made to its business processes, which resulted in a more agile and patient-centric supply chain.

Establishing effective communication across all departments; reaching out to principals from the very start of the lockdown to ensure that there was adequate inventory; and, working closely with government authorities was an essential element in creating a resilient supply chain.

Throughout this process, priority was given to patients’ with NCDs’ and essential medicine. SLCPI is thankful for members who worked tirelessly to ensure that adequate stocks of essential medicines were made available to patients and hospitals.

Towards sustainable pricing

Another top priority for the Chamber in the coming year is the implementation of a fair pricing mechanism, to ensure the availability of efficacious, safe and good quality medicines, medical devices and borderline products to the general public.

At present, the government and regulators depend on ad-hoc price controls on medicine and pharmaceuticals to keep prices in check. This mechanism has proven to be unsustainable in the long run.

Presently, the National Medicine Regulatory Authority of Sri Lanka (NMRA) has imposed a price ceiling on 73 molecules with the intention of making these medicines more affordable and accessible to patients.

The lack of a proper mechanism for the regulation of prices along with high regulatory fees has only negatively impacted the industry, which is already burdened by fragile market conditions owing to COVID-19 and a depreciating rupee, making importing drugs more expensive.

“What we need right now is a rational mechanism that is simple & workable. Pharmaceutical poricing is complex as we are dealing with medicines, patients and the country’s healthcare needs. It is essential to take a collaborative approach between the industry and regulators on the best way forward” stressed SLCPI Vice President Sanjiva Wijesekera.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) states that strong pharmaceutical pricing policies in countries can improve pharmaceutical products’ affordability when carefully planned, carried out, and regularly checked and revised according to changing conditions (WHO guideline on country pharmaceutical pricing policies, 2020).

Essential to the Pharma Industry’s sustainability is the implementation of an ethics framework, to maintain standards and uniformity in the industry. The Chamber recognises the need for self-regulation, which is pivotal to address non-ethical practices in the healthcare industry. SLCPI is committed to working with stakeholders within the medical fraternity to promote ethical marketing, prescribing medicines, and creating awareness on a subject that impacts the image of the healthcare industry as a whole.

Over the years, SLCPI has hosted workshops and courses to promote ethical pharmaceutical practices among pharmaceutical representatives to ensure they are well trained on the rules, regulations and industry codes. Meanwhile, several SLCPI member companies have gone as far as to provide training to pharmacists on dispensing medicines to customers.

“The focus in the year ahead is to work with doctors and healthcare professionals to standardise the behaviour of medical representatives, minimise complaints received by hospitals and collaborate with governmental partners to implement and action, an ethics framework,” said SLCPI Vice President Sanjiva Wijesekera.

COVID – 19 has been a defining year for the industry, forcing companies in all sectors to accelerate the digitisation of their customer and supply-chain interaction and their internal operations by three to four years (Mckinsey, 2020).

What does the future hold?

Vice President of SLCPI Sanjiva Wijesekera says that emerging technologies are transforming the pharmaceutical sector, and members are integrating new technology in their day to day operations.

“The pharma industry is striving to maintain a balance between the need for novel medicinal drugs, improved operational efficiencies, and innovation in areas such as precision medicine, wearables, and digital therapeutics—all of which can directly impact the pharma value chain,” said SLCPI Vice President Sanjiva Wijesekera.

With a rapidly ageing population and rise in non-communicable diseases (NCD) in Sri Lanka, the demand for pharmaceuticals and medical care too is increasing.

“SLCPI is committed to its vision of making available quality medicines for all Sri Lankans, and we need to enhance our systems to ensure that we make this possible. At a consumer level, there is also more that can be done to educate the public about the impact that their lifestyle choices can have on the quality of life. By adopting a holistic strategy that addresses all stakeholders, I believe that we can arrive at a truly progressive outcome for all,” Wijesekera added.

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Business

Committee to look at unified tripartite management of workers’ retirement funds

Published

2 hours ago

2026/07/16

Sahan Weerasooriya

Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa

The government has initiated what could become one of the most significant reforms of Sri Lanka’s social security system in decades by appointing a Senior Officials’ Committee to examine the feasibility of bringing the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) and the Employees’ Trust Fund (ETF) under a unified tripartite governance framework representing the government, employers and employees.

Cabinet approval was granted following a proposal submitted by the Minister of Labour. According to Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, the committee has been mandated to study whether the two institutions could operate under a common governance structure based on internationally recognised principles promoted by the International Labour Organization (ILO).

He stressed that the committee has been appointed only to examine the feasibility of the proposal, and no final decision has been taken to merge the two funds.

The official Cabinet statement notes that the EPF, established under the Employees’ Provident Fund Act No. 15 of 1958, has more than 2.5 million members and assets exceeding Rs. 4.9 trillion, making it Sri Lanka’s largest social security fund.

Custody of the fund, investment management, financial administration and payment of benefits are currently handled by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, while the Department of Labour is responsible for member registration, employer compliance, recovery of arrears and safeguarding employee rights.

The ETF, created under Act No. 46 of 1980, is administered by a tripartite board comprising representatives of the government, employers and employees. It manages assets of approximately Rs. 637 billion and provides coverage to more than 2.5 million active members.

The Cabinet paper highlights that tripartite governance of social security institutions is an internationally recognised best practice and a fundamental principle promoted by the ILO, which forms the basis for examining a common governance model for both funds.

The proposal is expected to attract close scrutiny from the business community, trade unions and financial market participants, given that the combined assets of the EPF and ETF exceed Rs. 5.5 trillion, making them among the country’s largest institutional investors.

Economists note that any governance reforms should strengthen transparency, accountability, professional investment management and public confidence while safeguarding workers’ retirement savings.

By Ifham Nizam

Business

LOLC strengthens Pakistan operations with new Islamabad head office

Published

2 hours ago

2026/07/16

Sahan Weerasooriya

Opening ceremony of the new relocated LOLC Microfinance Head Office

LOLC Microfinance Bank Pakistan, a fully owned subsidiary of the LOLC Group, has strategically relocated its Head Office to Gulberg Greens, Islamabad, marking a significant milestone in its growth journey. As one of the LOLC Group’s largest overseas operations in Asia, the Bank continues to advance financial inclusion and sustainable economic development across Pakistan.

The new Head Office was formally inaugurated in the presence of Chief Guests H.E. Admiral Fred Seneviratne (Retd.), High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to Pakistan, and Mr. Krishan Thilakaratne, Chairman of LOLC Microfinance Bank Pakistan. The ceremony was attended by the Bank’s Board of Directors, senior management and employees, commemorating another important chapter in the Bank’s continued expansion.

LOLC Microfinance Bank Pakistan is a fully-fledged Microfinance Bank regulated by the State Bank of Pakistan, operating through a network of 88 branches and employing over 1,200 staff members across the key cities of Karachi, Lahore, Hyderabad, Faisalabad, Sialkot, Islamabad, Peshawar and Gilgit. The Bank offers a comprehensive range of financial solutions, including business loans, microfinance, vehicle financing, gold loans and other financial products. It currently manages a loan portfolio exceeding USD 70 million and a deposit portfolio exceeding USD 90 million, comprising savings deposits, term deposits and current accounts.

The relocation to the new Head Office reflects the Bank’s expanding operations and its commitment to widening access to responsible financial services for individuals, micro-entrepreneurs and small businesses across Pakistan. In 2026, LOLC Microfinance Bank Pakistan was recognised as Pakistan’s fastest growing Microfinance Bank, highlighting its strong business momentum and growing market presence.

Addressing the gathering, H.E. Admiral Fred Seneviratne (Retd.), High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to Pakistan, stated, “The relationship between Sri Lanka and Pakistan continues to grow through meaningful partnerships such as this. LOLC Microfinance Bank Pakistan is making an important contribution by supporting entrepreneurs, strengthening the SME sector, and expanding financial access where it is needed the most. Institutions like these play a vital role in empowering communities and supporting sustainable economic growth.”(LOLC)

Business

CDB retains championship crown at MCA T10

Published

2 hours ago

2026/07/16

Sahan Weerasooriya

Citizens Development Business Finance PLC (CDB) lit up the CCC Grounds on June 28th, retaining the championship of the MCA T10 Cricket Tournament, further etching its record of being unbeaten and showcasing its signature persona of being determined and unstoppable.

Sealing the title without a single loss in the tournament from the first ball to the final cheer, Team CDB skippered by Tharindu Rathnayaka with Vice Captain Dunith Wellalage, both national players, showcased the calibre of a champion side.

Coached by national player Oshadha Fernando, CDB combined star power with relentless team spirit – the perfect combination of experience and youthful energy. CDB’s performance was not just about individual brilliance but about a collective drive that mirrors CDB’s corporate ethos of perseverance, leadership, and excellence.

The final match against the Abans Group was a fitting climax. Chasing 116, CDB powered to 120/4 in just 8.4 overs, sealing victory by six wickets. Vishad Randika rose to the occasion as Player of the Final. Nuwan Thushara’s consistent bowling prowess, including a hat trick — 2 overs, 11 runs, 4 wickets during the semi-finals — earned him the Best Bowler accolade.

This unbeaten run was more than a cricketing triumph. It was a statement by CDB of its dedication to excellence, which extends beyond financial services into fostering a high-performance culture through sports. The championship reinforced the company’s reputation as a leader in the financial sector while celebrating employee engagement, wellness, and community spirit.