Shantha Bandara reappointed SLCPI President as Chamber advances regulatory reform and patient access

The Sri Lanka Chamber of the Pharmaceutical Industry (SLCPI) announced the reappointment of Sunshine Healthcare Lanka Ltd. Director and Chief Executive Officer Shantha Bandara as its President for the 2026/27 term at the Chamber’s 65th Annual General Meeting held at Cinnamon Grand Colombo.

The event was graced by Dr. Hansaka Wijemuni, Deputy Minister of Health, as Chief Guest, together with government representatives, healthcare partners, past presidents, member companies and other industry stakeholders.

Bandara’s reappointment provides continuity to a reform-oriented agenda that has strengthened the Chamber’s governance, ethical standards and engagement with policymakers and regulators. His renewed mandate will focus on converting the progress made during 2025/26 into practical regulatory improvements that support the availability, accessibility and affordability of quality medicines in Sri Lanka.

SLCPI represents more than 70 pharmaceutical importers, manufacturers, distributors and retailers. Its members account for over 90% of Sri Lanka’s private pharmaceutical market, while the wider industry directly employs more than 80,000 people and indirectly supports nearly 400,000.

Reflecting on the past year, Bandara said the industry had operated amid sustained domestic and global pressure. Exchange-rate volatility, disruptions to international shipping routes, rising freight, insurance, fuel and electricity costs, and constrained consumer purchasing power placed significant pressure on pharmaceutical supply chains and business viability.

Despite these challenges, SLCPI continued to engage constructively with the Ministry of Health, the National Medicines Regulatory Authority and other stakeholders, presenting evidence-based recommendations on pharmaceutical pricing, import licence renewals and continuity of supply.

A major achievement during Bandara’s first term was the adoption of new Articles of Association following extensive consultation, legal review and member engagement. The revised Articles provide a stronger constitutional foundation for the Chamber, clarify governance structures and reinforce member rights and responsibilities.

The Chamber also formally launched the SLCPI Code of Conduct, establishing a common framework for integrity, transparency, ethical pharmaceutical promotion and responsible business practices. The Code sets standards for engagement with healthcare professionals, regulators and industry partners, strengthening accountability and public confidence in the sector.

Commenting on his reappointment, Bandara said, “The past year was about strengthening the institutional foundations of the Chamber and ensuring that the pharmaceutical industry had a credible and constructive voice. The year ahead must be about translating dialogue into meaningful outcomes. Our priority is to work with the Government, the Ministry of Health and the NMRA to establish a regulatory and pricing environment that protects patient access while ensuring that pharmaceutical suppliers remain viable.”

He added, “When the pharmaceutical supply chain comes under sustained pressure, patients are ultimately affected through medicine shortages, reduced availability and fewer choices. Our advocacy is therefore not simply about the commercial interests of the industry. It is about protecting continuity of supply and ensuring that Sri Lankans have reliable access to safe, effective and quality medicines.”

The Chamber will also advocate for regulatory improvements informed by good practices in comparable emerging and neighbouring markets. The objective is to maintain appropriate oversight and quality controls while enabling the industry to operate efficiently and respond to national healthcare needs.

SLCPI will continue implementing its Code of Conduct, strengthening the Pharma Promoters Association and supporting greater professionalism and knowledge development among medical representatives and pharmaceutical professionals. It will also advance a platform for knowledge exchange, ethical discourse and regional collaboration.

“No single stakeholder can address the challenges facing the healthcare system in isolation. Progress requires trust-based engagement between government, regulators, healthcare professionals, pharmaceutical companies and patient communities. SLCPI will continue to serve as a responsible and solutions-oriented industry partner, advocating with evidence, communicating transparently and placing patients at the centre of our work,” Bandara said.

Under Bandara’s renewed leadership, SLCPI will continue working towards an ethical, resilient and professionally governed pharmaceutical sector that contributes to a stronger and more sustainable healthcare system for all Sri Lankans.