From its inception in 1999, Sri Lanka Chamber of the Pharmaceutical Industry has been in the forefront of Sri Lanka’s healthcare needs and to-date we stay committed to supporting the nations’ healthcare objectives, ensuring access to quality pharmaceuticals at the best affordable prices, to all. A holistic approach is needed to expand healthcare in Sri Lanka and SLCPI believes the pharmaceutical industry can play an integral role in the solution.

I am proud to be leading this great institution, whose membership is responsible for over 80% of our Country’s pharmaceutical requirements, ensuring compliance and business integrity, providing employment and contributing to the Country’s economic and healthcare environment. An approximately 3,500 Medical Delegates are working in the Pharmaceutical industry in Sri Lanka and the total population of Medical Delegates in the Pharmaceutical industry in Sri Lanka is approximately 5,000

I wish to recognize the immense contribution by our members, particularly in these unprecedented times of the coronavirus pandemic, in which our members have ensured a steady and consistent supply of medicines through their retail and distributorship, to make sure that availability is never compromised and that quality medicines are available throughout, despite the many challenges.

We are faced with many challenges – As you are aware, pharmaceutical products are vulnerable to external factors including currency fluctuations, which impacts the businesses. The Chamber will continue to advocate, collaborate with stakeholders and government in implementing a pricing mechanism that will ensure that our citizens have access to affordable quality medicines.

Finally, as the apex industry body, we will re-fresh and re-energize the standards in ethical marketing and operating practices of the Industry , working closely with Medical fraternities in implementing ethics in our business.  These are exciting times for us and we will continue to be driven by the same values that have always defined us – promoting the availability, accessibility, and quality of medicines to all Sri Lankans.