July 04, Colombo (LNW): A major step forward in Sri Lanka’s bid to achieve pharmaceutical self-sufficiency is currently underway, with a groundbreaking venture by ‘Synergy Pharmaceuticals’ poised to redefine the nation’s healthcare and industrial landscapes.
This fully Sri Lankan-owned enterprise is constructing what will become the country’s most expansive and technologically advanced pharmaceutical production facility.
Situated in the Bingiriya Investment Zone in the Kurunegala District, the ambitious project is backed by a substantial investment of US$120 million. Spanning an impressive 4.23 hectares, the plant is set to introduce international production standards rarely seen in the region.
Designed to support a wide array of pharmaceutical products, the upcoming facility will be capable of producing tablets, capsules, vaccines, hormone-based medications, and high-potency oncology drugs. The site is expected to commence trial production by the close of 2025, with full commercial operations slated to begin by mid-2026.
Under the leadership of prominent entrepreneur Ravi Wijeratne, who serves as Chairman, and Managing Director Rohan Wijesundara, Synergy Pharmaceuticals has articulated a clear vision: to support Sri Lanka’s transition from a nation reliant on pharmaceutical imports to one capable of meeting a significant share of its own medical needs — whilst also entering global export markets.
Upon reaching full operational capacity across its two development phases, the facility is projected to meet at least 20 per cent of the country’s total pharmaceutical demand. Looking beyond domestic requirements, the company is actively working toward securing approvals from key global regulatory bodies, including the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA).
These certifications would unlock opportunities for exports to emerging markets such as India and Africa, placing Sri Lanka firmly on the map as a pharmaceutical manufacturing hub in South Asia.
Beyond economic metrics, the initiative brings considerable employment prospects to the table. The factory is expected to directly generate around 2,500 jobs, with potential ripple effects in surrounding communities.
This infusion of skilled employment opportunities also serves as a countermeasure against the persistent issue of brain drain, offering young professionals meaningful careers within their homeland.
Synergy Pharmaceuticals emphasises the strategic advantages of locating such a facility in Sri Lanka, including the country’s high-quality natural water resources and the intellectual calibre of its human capital.
These factors, the company believes, position Sri Lanka not only for domestic manufacturing excellence but also for international competitiveness.
As the country continues its recovery from a debilitating economic downturn, ventures of this scale and vision offer a much-needed boost. Far from being just another business enterprise, Synergy Pharmaceuticals is being recognised as a catalyst for national progress — spearheading innovation, fostering self-reliance, and paving the way for a stronger, more resilient Sri Lankan economy.
