The foundation stone laying ceremony for a Human Repeat Insult Patch Test (HRIPT) laboratory dedicated to cosmetic product testing was held under the patronage of the Minister of Industries and Enterprise Development, Sunil Handunneththi, today.
The laboratory is being constructed jointly by the Ministry of Industries and Enterprise Development, in collaboration with the Industrial Development Board (IDB) and the Institute of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology & Biotechnology (IBMBB) of the University of Colombo.
The laboratory is scheduled to be completed before the end of 2027, with Rs. 24.383 million funded by the Ministry of Industries and Enterprise Development and Rs. 3 million contributed by IBMBB.
Currently, Sri Lanka does not have a dedicated HRIPT testing facility. As a result, local manufacturers and exporters must rely on overseas laboratories to obtain certification for cosmetic products, incurring high costs and logistical challenges. This initiative aims to eliminate those burdens and support the industry.
Once established, the Ministry of Industries also plans to further enhance the laboratory with advanced technical equipment and facilities.
The event was attended by Professor Indika Mahesh Karunathilaka, Deputy Vice Chancellor of the University of Colombo, Professor B.P. Galhena, Director of IBMBB, along with university staff and officials from the Ministry of Industries and Enterprise Development. (Newswire)