By: Staff Writer

September 05, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s pharmaceutical industry has expressed significant concerns about Health Minister Dr. Ramesh Pathirana’s Cabinet proposal to procure 37 drugs from India under the “Jan Aushadhi” scheme.

The National Chamber of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers of Sri Lanka (NCPMSL), led by Dr. Lohitha Samarawickrema, is apprehensive about the potential negative impact on local manufacturers, importers, and patients.

A primary concern is whether these imports will bypass the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) registration process, which is crucial for drug safety and efficacy. The chamber fears that circumventing NMRA regulations could undermine the regulatory framework and jeopardize medication safety in Sri Lanka.

Dr. Samarawickrema questioned the fairness of the proposal if Indian-approved drugs are exempt from NMRA procedures, stressing that local manufacturers and importers should also benefit from similar exemptions.

Moreover, Dr. Samarawickrema highlighted the NMRA’s requirement for site inspections of manufacturers with WHO GMP certifications, which seems to be overlooked, potentially compromising the procurement process’s transparency and credibility.

 Concerns were also raised about intellectual property standards mentioned in the scheme, as the NMRA might lack the capacity for proper analytical validation, which could undermine the scheme’s integrity.

The chamber also expressed worries about HLL Lifecare Ltd., the company associated with the scheme, and the unclear relationship with the Jana Aushadhi program, raising concerns about potential pricing advantages and the selection process.

Dr. Samarawickrema emphasized the need for rigorous quality control, especially given the high rate of quality failures among Indian products, stressing that quality assurance is vital for public health protection.

There are fears that this scheme could harm local manufacturers if State purchases are concentrated through this initiative, potentially driving them out of business and weakening efforts to develop the local pharmaceutical industry.

 In response, the NCPMSL recommended that all medicines be evaluated and registered by the NMRA, with local agents prioritized in procurement processes.

 The chamber suggested a fast-track registration process for small-volume products and advocated for diversifying procurement sources to include local manufacturers and importers before considering international options.

 Dr. Samarawickrema urged a reconsideration of the policy and called for constructive dialogue to address these concerns, reflecting the chamber’s commitment to safeguarding the interests of Sri Lankan pharmaceutical stakeholders and maintaining strong relations with India.

The NCPMSL remains opposed to the proposed policy and is prepared to take necessary steps to protect patient rights and health.

Similarly, the Sri Lanka Chamber of the Pharmaceutical Industry (SLCPI) raised concerns, arguing that the proposal seems to favor a blanket importation strategy through a single company, HLL Lifecare Ltd., which could undermine the local pharmaceutical industry.

They recommended that all medicines be evaluated and registered by the NMRA, with exceptions only in rare cases.

Dr. Pathirana clarified that the Health Ministry is not planning to import unregistered or low-quality medications and that the Indian Government invited Sri Lanka to participate in the Jan Aushadhi scheme to procure drugs at fair prices after local registration.

By: Staff Writer

September 05, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka has been removed from the referral visa list for entry into Tanzania. High Commissioner Kana Kananathan said Sri Lanka has been officially removed from the referral visa list for entry into Tanzania, a status in place for over two decades.

This decision follows sustained diplomatic efforts by Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the High Commission in Kenya, along with high-level discussions with the Government of Tanzania.

As a result, Sri Lankans wishing to visit Tanzania can now apply for regular visas online, eliminating the additional steps, procedures and extended waiting periods previously required under the referral visa process.

The High Commissioner said that this change will significantly ease travel and enhance convenience for Sri Lankans visiting Tanzania for business, tourism or other purposes.

The High Commission expresses its sincere gratitude to the Government of Tanzania for this positive development and reaffirms its commitment to further strengthening bilateral relations between the two nations. This milestone reflects the strong partnership and mutual respect between Sri Lanka and Tanzania.

“We encourage all Sri Lankans to take full advantage of this opportunity and continue to uphold the high standards of conduct that have always been a hallmark of our community abroad,” the High Commissioner said.

Sri Lanka and Tanzania opened a new chapter in business and investment promotion between the two countries with the easing of  Visa procedure to enter into that country

With both countries enjoying a period of economic revival under their respective new governments this is the best possible time for an initiative of this nature. This chamber has laid the foundation for investment promotion. We want to promote partnerships,” he pointed out.

He stated that the top priority of the Sri Lankan Government was the revival of the economy through local industries. “Sri Lanka is very keen on attracting foreign direct investment in to the country.

He called on members of the Tanzanian business community to look at ways and means of connecting with the Sri Lanka tourism industry by offering facilities for Sri Lanka  tour agency representatives to visit the country.   

The opportunities for collaboration are many. Tourism in Sri Lanka offers huge potential for investment. Areas that were previously out of bounds to tourists due to the conflict are opening up for investment. Some of these places are rich in wildlife, a sector that Tanzania has much experience and expertise in. 

September 05, Colombo (LNW): A new political alliance, the ‘Podujana Eksath Nidahas Peramuna,’ has been officially formed by members of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) who have pledged their support for President Ranil Wickremesinghe in the 2024 Presidential Election.

The alliance is led by Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, with Minister Ramesh Pathirane serving as the party’s Secretary.

The unveiling of this new political entity took place at a formal event in Colombo, where several MPs from the SLPP joined forces under a common platform.

The event also witnessed the signing of a collective agreement, symbolising their unified commitment to backing Wickremesinghe’s candidacy in the upcoming election.

This newly established alliance marks a significant shift in the political landscape, as it aligns key SLPP figures behind Wickremesinghe, who continues to navigate a complex political and economic environment.

By bringing together various factions under one banner, the ‘Podujana Eksath Nidahas Peramuna’ aims to create a broader base of support for the President, consolidating his position ahead of the crucial election.

September 05, Colombo (LNW): The Election Commission has appealed to all employers, both in the public and private sectors, to ensure their employees are given time off to cast their vote in the upcoming 2024 Presidential election.

Public sector employees, as per the Establishments Code, are entitled to special paid leave.

Although there is no specific legal requirement for private sector employers, the Commission emphasised the importance of granting leave to ensure everyone has the opportunity to vote.

Leave allowances vary based on the distance between an employee’s workplace and their designated polling station.

For those residing less than 40 kilometres away, half a day’s leave is recommended.

If the distance is between 40 and 100 kilometres, a full day’s leave should be granted.

For employees travelling between 100 and 150 kilometres, they are entitled to one and a half days, while two days’ leave should be provided for distances exceeding 150 kilometres.

To access the leave, employees must submit a written request to their employer.

Employers, in turn, must ensure adequate leave is provided and that a notice detailing who has been granted leave and for how long is clearly displayed at the workplace.

This measure aims to promote maximum voter participation, ensuring that logistical barriers do not prevent citizens from exercising their democratic right.

September 05, Colombo (LNW): Former President Chandrika Kumaratunga has declared her decision to stay neutral in the upcoming 2024 Presidential election, despite several candidates reportedly seeking her support.

Addressing recent media speculation, Kumaratunga clarified that while she had been linked to endorsing various contenders, she will not back any candidate in this election.

Her statement urged voters to carefully evaluate their choices, emphasising the importance of considering candidates’ proposed policies and the methods they intend to implement.

Kumaratunga highlighted that voters should prioritise a candidate’s commitment to abolishing the Executive Presidency and focus on key policy areas such as education, healthcare, agriculture—particularly in supporting small farmers—small and medium enterprises, as well as industries like plantations, international trade, and tourism.

In addition to these sectors, she stressed the necessity of diversified industries and exports to strengthen the economy.

She further called on voters to demand assurances of honest governance and transparency from candidates, noting that corruption must be eradicated.

Kumaratunga emphasised the importance of appointing individuals of high integrity and qualification to prominent government positions, ensuring proper execution of promised policies.

September 05, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka and France have formalised a bilateral agreement to create a Regional Centre for Maritime Studies in Sri Lanka, according to the nation’s Foreign Ministry.

This partnership marks a significant step in strengthening maritime cooperation in the Indian Ocean region.

The agreement was signed by General (Retd) Kamal Gunaratne, Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, and Marie-Noëlle Duris, Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of the French Embassy in Colombo, during a ceremony at the Ministry of Defence on Wednesday.

The new Regional Centre for Maritime Studies is set to become a Centre of Excellence, focusing on academic and training collaborations.

Its primary objectives include enhancing maritime safety and security, conserving the marine environment, and addressing marine pollution in the Indian Ocean.

Additionally, the Centre will play a key role in advancing research and practical solutions for maritime challenges, fostering cooperation between regional and global stakeholders.

The establishment of this Centre underlines the growing importance of the Indian Ocean as a strategic hub for maritime activities and environmental preservation.

Through this collaboration, Sri Lanka aims to further position itself as a leader in maritime studies, while France strengthens its engagement in the region.

The partnership also signals a broader commitment to sustainable marine practices and enhanced maritime governance, addressing critical concerns such as pollution and climate change.

This agreement represents a significant stride in regional diplomacy and underscores the shared priorities of Sri Lanka and France in maintaining maritime stability and environmental stewardship in the Indian Ocean.