Sri Lanka to launch first insulin manufacturing factory in 2027

Sri Lanka is set to begin production at its first insulin manufacturing factory in 2027. Located in the Koggala Export Processing Zone in Galle, the facility was established with an investment exceeding Rs. 3 billion and is operated by Premium International Injectable (Pvt) Ltd.

Construction of the facility is complete, and production is expected to start following a validation process. Beyond insulin, the plant intends to manufacture painkillers, anaesthetic drugs, and other pharmaceuticals, with long-term goals to produce 33 different types of medicines. The project is a joint venture with the State Pharmaceuticals Manufacturing Corporation (SPMC) under a 15-year supply agreement.

Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa noted that the initiative aims to reduce the country's heavy reliance on pharmaceutical imports, as Sri Lanka currently imports 85–90 percent of its hospital medicines. Expanding local production is expected to conserve foreign exchange and generate export revenue. The government is also exploring opportunities to supply medicines to the Maldives and Timor-Leste.