SLPMA drives the National Call forward by reaffirming the need for a strategic roadmap for pharmaceutical self-reliance and global competitiveness

The Sri Lanka Pharmaceutical Manufacturers' Association (SLPMA) reaffirmed its commitment towards advancing Sri Lanka's pharmaceutical self-reliance and strengthening the country’s position as a credible pharmaceutical manufacturing hub at its Annual General Meeting (AGM) held recently under the theme “Driving the National Call Forward.”

Building on the landmark “National Call to Produce Medicine in Sri Lanka – with Care, Trust, and Unity” introduced by SLPMA last year, the AGM focused on transforming the industry’s long-term vision into tangible action by accelerating progress across five strategic pillars namely, enabling policy support, progressive regulation, industry commitment, human capital development, and investment in research and supporting industries.

Following his election as President of SLPMA at the AGM, Dinesh Athapaththu, Managing Director of Morison Ltd, stated, “The Pharmaceutical industry carries a unique responsibility because every product we manufacture has the potential to improve or save a life. As an industry, we should remain fully committed to ensuring the availability of safe, high quality, and affordable medicines for the people of Sri Lanka.

Building a globally competitive pharmaceutical industry requires sustained investment in manufacturing capacity, product development, and export capabilities, supported by a clear and consistent national policy framework. Across the region, strong partnerships between industry and policymakers have played a critical role in transforming pharmaceutical sectors. With the right long-term vision and collaborative approach, Sri Lanka can strengthen medicine security, conserve and generate valuable foreign exchange, create high value employment opportunities, retain our brightest talent, and establish itself as a credible pharmaceutical export industry.”

The Sri Lankan pharmaceutical market remains valued at approximately USD 600 million, with 40% serviced through government procurement and 60% through the private sector. Following the introduction of the Guaranteed Buyback Agreement in 2015, government procurement from local manufacturers increased significantly from 5% to nearly 30%, resulting in over USD 200 million in private-sector investments towards modern manufacturing infrastructure.

While this progress reflects the strong potential of local pharmaceutical manufacturing, local manufacturers currently account for only 5% of private sector demand, highlighting a significant domestic opportunity that can be unlocked through targeted policy support and continued industry development.

Despite the progress achieved, local pharmaceutical manufacturers continue to navigate operational challenges and policy uncertainties, including the expiry of Guaranteed Buyback Agreements, which have impacted investor confidence. A clear, long-term national roadmap remains essential to provide the stability required for continued investment in manufacturing capacity, product development, regulatory excellence, and export market expansion.

SLPMA recognises that the Guaranteed Buyback Scheme was introduced as a strategic catalyst to accelerate the growth of local pharmaceutical manufacturing, rather than as a permanent mechanism. The industry’s long-term objective is to build competitiveness through its own capabilities, expand its presence within the private market, and establish Sri Lanka as a credible pharmaceutical exporter.

However, achieving this ambition requires sustained and patient investment. Unlike many industries, pharmaceutical development involves complex processes including product development, technology transfers, international regulatory approvals, and global accreditations, all of which require significant capital investment, specialised expertise, and extended timelines before commercial returns can be realised.

Therefore, a predictable national policy framework, supported by carefully designed transitional mechanisms such as the Guaranteed Buyback Scheme, remains critical to maintaining investor confidence while the industry develops the scale, capability, and competitiveness required to succeed in both domestic and international markets.

SLPMA’s long-term vision remains focused on enabling Sri Lanka to locally manufacture 75% of its national pharmaceutical requirements, establish the foundation for a credible export industry, and develop a skilled talent ecosystem comprising pharmacists, scientists, engineers, and healthcare professionals over the next five to ten years.

Established in 1963, SLPMA represents 25 local pharmaceutical manufacturers and has demonstrated resilience within an industry historically dominated by imports. Despite significant challenges, SLPMA will continue to make a meaningful contribution to Sri Lanka’s healthcare ecosystem. Through continued engagement with government ministries, regulatory authorities, and industry stakeholders, SLPMA reiterates its commitment to accountability, transparency, and collaboration in ensuring that every Sri Lankan has access to safe, affordable, and high-quality medicines while positioning the country as a trusted regional leader in pharmaceutical manufacturing.