Minister of Health and Mass Media, Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, said the government is committed to providing continuous support for the country’s pharmaceutical manufacturing industry, by encouraging local pharmaceutical producers.
The Minister made these remarks when Mr. V. Nadarajah, Chairman of Celogen Lanka (Pvt) Ltd. briefed the minister of the first batch of pharmaceuticals prepared for export. The event took place recently at the premises of the Ministry of Health and Mass Media.
The consignment, intended for Peru, consists of medication used by cardiac patients and is valued at Rs. 45 million.
Minister Jayatissa requested pharmaceutical manufacturers to ensure the continuous supply of high-quality medicines for the country’s universal health service, as well as for export, and to provide quality medicines at fair prices to Sri Lankans purchasing from private pharmacies.
Mr. Nadarajah said the government, through the 2025 budget, has removed the 18% VAT on imported packaging materials used in domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing. This progressive decision by the Health Minister and the government has encouraged local manufacturers, he said. As a result, there is a visible progress in the sector and their next consignment scheduled for the Philippines, Mr. Nadarajah said.
Celogen Lanka (Pvt) Ltd, located in the Pallekele Export Processing Zone in Kandy, manufactures over 180 varieties of pharmaceuticals. The company began operations in 2019, and approximately 100 of its products are supplied to meet the requirements of the Ministry of Health, Mr. Nadarajah said.
Also present at the occasion were Mr. Niroshan Fernando, Managing Director of Pharmaceuticals and Health Services (Pvt) Ltd , as well as representatives from Celogen Lanka (Pvt) Ltd and other officials.
