IDB Convenes Roundtable on Strengthening Local Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
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  • IDB Convenes Roundtable on Strengthening Local Pharmaceutical Manufacturing

Recently, the Industrial Development Board (IDB) held a roundtable to address key challenges, from inconsistent policies to the urgent need for a long-term strategic roadmap. The discussion was held at Hilton Colombo Residence, Colombo 02 on 12th August 2025 with the key participation of Mr. P.P.R.S.de Silva – Additional Secretary (Procurement) Ministry of Health, Dr. Lakshman Edirisinghe – Deputy Director General (Medical Supplies Division) , Dr. Dedunu Dias – Director ( Medical Supplies Division), Mr. Ajith Hapugama, Accountant – State Pharmaceutical Cooperation, Ms. Dilrukshi Kotinkaduwa, Director – Department of Fiscal Policies,  Dr. Ananda Wijewickrama,  Chairman -National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) ,  Officials of Export Development Board, Mr. Ravi Nissanka, Chairman and officials of Industrial Development Board Executive committee & representatives of the Sri Lanka Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association.

The discussion highlighted the importance of strengthening local manufacturing to ensure national health security and economic resilience, while also unlocking the sector’s scientific and export potential.

The roundtable addressed critical issues such as:

  1. VAT on pharmaceutical packaging materials
  2. Extension and equity in buyback agreements
  3. Risks of non-extension
  4. Foreign exchange savings
  5. Quality assurance
  6. Regulatory burdens on imports
  7. Export market challenges
  8. Barriers to sector growth

All participants actively contributed to shaping a way forward, emphasizing the need to protect the survival of Sri Lanka’s pharmaceutical manufacturing sector, ensure sustainable access to quality medicines, conserve foreign exchange, create skilled jobs, and position the industry for future export leadership.

Venue: Hilton Colombo Residence