New Delhi, September 9 (Daily Kiran) : Sri Lanka‘s High Commissioner to India, Mahishini Kolonne, emphasized the vast potential for collaboration in pharmaceutical manufacturing, investment, healthcare technology, and supply chain enhancement between India and Sri Lanka. Speaking at the Ambassadors Conference on Healthcare Technologies and Pharmaceutical Manufacturing, part of the Pharma MakTech Expo and Labnext Expo 2026 held on September 8 in New Delhi, she called on Indian industries to invest and partner in Sri Lanka.
Kolonne highlighted the already strong pharmaceutical trade ties between the two nations, suggesting they could be expanded through manufacturing, investment, and technical cooperation. She pointed out that Sri Lanka relies heavily on imports for its pharmaceutical needs, with local manufacturers meeting only a small fraction of demand. This presents significant investment and production opportunities for Indian companies in areas such as active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), medical devices, laboratory and diagnostic technologies, and quality control systems.
The Sri Lankan government has prioritized the pharmaceutical sector for investment, offering long-term tax incentives and expedited regulatory approvals through the National Medicines Regulatory Authority for eligible manufacturing projects. Kolonne also mentioned the special pharmaceutical manufacturing zone established in Hambantota, where companies can develop production and technical capabilities.
Under the India-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement (FTA), over 50 categories of pharmaceutical products and medical devices benefit from duty-free access to the Indian market, providing additional opportunities for industries in both countries.
Kolonne stressed the urgent need to develop manufacturing capabilities close to markets to enhance health security and strengthen supply chains. She also emphasized the importance of increasing partnerships in technology transfer, skill development, research collaboration, and regulatory coordination.
The High Commissioner invited Indian industries to participate in the Sri Lanka Expo 2027, the country’s premier trade and investment exhibition, scheduled for January 14-17, 2027, in Colombo. This event will allow Indian companies to explore new avenues for trade, investment, and partnerships.
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