Sri Lanka to enforce strict regulations, ensure steady medicine supply

By  News On Air   Jan 30, 2025

Sri Lanka’s Health and Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring and continuing a steady supply of quality medicines while enforcing strict regulations. 

Speaking at an event at the National Medicines Regulatory Authority, the Minister assured full enforcement of the National Medicines Regulatory Authority Act, 2015, which mandates stringent oversight of drug pricing, quality control, and ethical trade practices. Concerns were raised about pharmaceutical companies adopting unethical practices and manipulating prices. The Minister stressed the role of the National Advisory Committee on Medicines and the National Appeals Committee on Medicines in maintaining fair pricing and market transparency.

During discussions, it was revealed that while the State Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Corporation produces some medicines locally, Sri Lanka relies heavily on imports, with India supplying nearly 50 per cent.