PREMIUM INTERNATIONAL INJECTABLE ADVANCES PHARMACEUTICAL MANUFACTURING AMBITIONS IN SRI LANKA
Premium International Injectable (Private) Limited is advancing the development of its pharmaceutical manufacturing facility in Sri Lanka, marking a significant step in the company’s commitment to strengthening local manufacturing capabilities and establishing a foundation for future growth in the country’s pharmaceutical sector.
The state-of-the-art facility, which is being developed to European standards within a Board of Investment (BOI) zone, is intended to support the manufacture of biotechnology-based insulin and generic Small Volume Parenteral (SVP) products. The plant is also geared to receive EU GMP certification, which is issued by National Competent Authorities (NCAs) within European Union member states. The project reflects the company’s ambition to establish a long-term manufacturing presence in Sri Lanka while exploring opportunities to expand its production capabilities in response to market requirements.
The visit by Hon. Minister of Health D.r Nalinda Jayatissa provided an opportunity to review the facility’s development and highlight the company’s plans for pharmaceutical manufacturing in Sri Lanka. It also provided an opportunity to discuss the role of private-sector investment in developing local manufacturing capabilities and strengthening the country’s pharmaceutical industry.
Thushira Raddella, Managing Director & CEO of Premium International Injectable (Private) Limited said, “Our investment in this facility reflects our long-term commitment to Sri Lanka and our confidence in the opportunities available within the country’s pharmaceutical manufacturing sector. We are focused on progressing the project towards completion and establishing a strong foundation for future growth. Beyond the current facility, we see opportunities to explore additional product strengths, doses and formulations in response to market requirements, while building strategic relationships that can support the next phase of our development.”
The facility’s planned focus on biotechnology-based insulin and generic SVP products represents an opportunity to develop specialised pharmaceutical manufacturing capabilities locally. Insulin manufacturing involves specific biotechnology and production requirements, while SVP products encompass injectable medicines administered in relatively small volumes. Both areas require appropriate manufacturing infrastructure, robust quality systems and compliance with applicable regulatory requirements.
The development of local pharmaceutical manufacturing capabilities has the potential to contribute to the resilience of medicine supply chains, broaden the country’s industrial capabilities and create opportunities for skills development and collaboration across the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors.
Hon. Minister of Health Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said, “Developing pharmaceutical manufacturing capabilities in Sri Lanka presents an opportunity to strengthen medicine supply resilience and support the country’s healthcare sector. Such initiatives must be underpinned by robust quality standards, regulatory compliance and collaboration between the public and private sectors.”
Premium International Injectable is also engaging with relevant institutional and industry stakeholders, including the State Pharmaceuticals Manufacturing Corporation (SPMC), where applicable, as it advances its manufacturing plans. Such engagement provides an opportunity to explore areas of mutual interest and understand the requirements and opportunities within Sri Lanka’s pharmaceutical manufacturing landscape.
The company’s longer-term vision extends beyond the current facility. Subject to market demand, technical feasibility and the relevant regulatory requirements, it intends to explore opportunities to introduce additional product strengths, doses and formulations. This approach would allow the company to assess future manufacturing opportunities in line with evolving healthcare needs and the commercial requirements of the local market.
As the project progresses towards completion, Premium International Injectable is also open to discussions with potential investors, strategic partners, suppliers and other businesses interested in contributing to the development of pharmaceutical manufacturing in Sri Lanka. These opportunities could support future expansion, strengthen business relationships and create a broader platform for collaboration within the sector.
For Premium International Injectable, the facility represents the foundation of a longer-term commitment to Sri Lanka. By progressing its manufacturing ambitions and exploring opportunities for future development, the company aims to establish itself as a credible participant in the country’s pharmaceutical industry while contributing to the continued development of local manufacturing capabilities.
