EDB and NMRA unite to drive Sri Lanka’s pharmaceutical export growth
Daily FT: A special discussion was recently held in Colombo to address barriers hindering Sri Lanka’s pharmaceutical export sector and to realise its full potential. The meeting brought together the Export Development Board (EDB), the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA), and the country’s leading pharmaceutical manufacturers for a focused exchange on the way forward.
EDB Chairman and CEO Mangala Wijesinghe noted that while the pharmaceutical manufacturing sector possesses considerable capacity, export revenues remain below the level they should be. He emphasised that the pharmaceutical sector is expected to play a key role in achieving Sri Lanka’s national target of $ 36 billion in total export earnings by 2030.
NMRA Chairman Dr. Ananda Wijewickrama emphasised that the authority remains committed to supporting the international export ambitions of pharmaceutical manufacturers, while safeguarding national healthcare standards. He noted that ongoing efforts are being made to align regulatory processes with internationally recognised benchmarks, with the aim of building greater confidence in Sri Lankan pharmaceutical products in global markets.
The discussions brought to the fore several practical challenges faced by pharmaceutical manufacturers, with particular attention given to delays in Product registration, the time taken for other regulatory approvals, and the pace of adapting to continuously evolving compliance frameworks in target export markets.
Despite these challenges, manufacturers expressed their appreciation for the proactive engagement and willingness demonstrated by both the EDB and the NMRA in working toward practical solutions for exporters.
The sustained collaboration between the EDB, the NMRA, and the private sector will be an essential factor in enabling Sri Lanka’s pharmaceutical industry to capture a stronger foothold in international markets.
OSL take:
A recent high-level discussion in Colombo involving the EDB, the NMRA, and leading local manufacturers highlights Sri Lanka’s renewed push to unlock the full potential of its pharmaceutical export sector. As regulatory alignment, industry coordination, and export facilitation improve, the country is steadily positioning itself as an emerging hub in the regional healthcare and life sciences value chain. For foreign businesses/investors, this evolving landscape presents a range of opportunities across pharmaceutical manufacturing, contract development and manufacturing (CDMO) services, and active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) production. With rising global demand for affordable generics and diversified supply chains, Sri Lanka offers a strategic base for companies looking to serve South Asian, African, and Middle Eastern markets. There is also growing potential in healthcare infrastructure and supporting services. Business/investment opportunities extend to pharmaceutical packaging, cold-chain logistics, quality assurance laboratories, and digital health systems that enhance regulatory compliance and supply chain transparency. Partnerships with local manufacturers can further enable technology transfer, capacity expansion, and compliance with international quality standards such as WHO-GMP certification. As global pharmaceutical supply chains continue to shift toward resilience and regional diversification, Sri Lanka’s strengthening regulatory framework and export-focused policy direction are creating a timely opening for foreign capital and expertise.
| Article Code : | VBS/AT/20260616Z_4 |