SLPMA rallies behind bold strategic roadmap to transform Sri Lanka into regional pharma powerhouse
By Sanath Nanayakkare In a decisive move to shift Sri Lanka’s healthcare sector from import reliance to self-sufficiency, the Sri Lanka Pharmaceutical Manufacturers’ Association (SLPMA) has launched a bold blueprint to turn the island nation into a high-tech regional export hub. Stepping into the leadership role as the newly elected President of SLPMA, Dinesh Athapaththu, […]
The Sri Lanka Pharmaceutical Manufacturers’ Association (SLPMA) unveiled an ambitious strategic plan at its Annual General Meeting, spearheaded by their newly elected President Dinesh Athapaththu. The visionary aims to metamorphose Sri Lanka into a high-tech regional pharma export hub, breaking free from import dependence. Athapaththu, Managing Director of Morison Ltd, underscored the ethical and economic significance of pharmaceutical manufacturing.
He highlighted that with the right synergy between industry ambition and governmental backing, Sri Lanka could achieve significant industrial growth. The SLPMA’s strategy rests on five key pillars: fostering a supportive policy framework, implementing progressive regulations, industry self-commitment, nurturing human capital, and investing in research.
Their ultimate goal is to locally produce 75% of the country’s pharmaceutical requirements within the next five to ten years, while simultaneously developing a robust pool of highly skilled professionals to mitigate brain drain. Athapaththu and the SLPMA acknowledged the need for transitional policy support, acknowledging that pharmaceutical manufacturing necessitates long-term commitments, complex technology transfer, and stringent international accreditations.
As a representative body for 25 local manufacturers since 1963, the SLPMA pledged to work closely with state ministries and regulatory authorities to ensure the success of this transformative initiative.
Written by urgent.news from The Island Sri Lanka's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
