Business
Morison commences commercial production at State-of-the-Art new pharmaceutical manufacturing facility
Morison Ltd., one of the pioneers of pharmaceutical manufacturing in Sri Lanka since 1959, announced the commencement of commercial production at its state-of the-art WHO GMP and EU GMP compliant production facility in Pitipana, Homagama. Unveiled in late 2020 as Sri Lanka’s first and largest general oral solid and liquid dosage pharmaceutical manufacturing facility, the factory marked the launch of commercial production by manufacturing and releasing its 1st commercial batches of Chlorphenamine Oral Solution and Paracetamol 500mg tablets to the market on the 26th of May.
Marking a new era in the pharmaceutical manufacturing industry in Sri Lanka, with a commitment to increase access of high quality yet affordable medicines, Morison’s investment of LKR 4 billion in its new state-of-the-art pharmaceutical research and manufacturing facility, is the highest investment to date in the local pharma manufacturing industry. The facility, the first general oral solid and liquid dosage manufacturing plant in Sri Lanka, built as per European Union-Good Manufacturing Practice (EU-GMP) specifications and Quality Management Systems, has a capacity to manufacture over 5 Bn tablets and 2 Mn litres of liquid during two shifts, which can cater up to 40% of the national demand.
“With the launch of commercial production at our new facility, Morison continues its 60-year long mission to offer the highest quality products at affordable prices to Sri Lankans. We are humbled at being able to fulfill the medicinal needs of our people with locally manufactured essential drugs at a time of crisis for the nation. Today, we release our first batches of medicine produced at the new facility, with the seal of approval of the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA), marking a new era for local pharmaceuticals manufacture. In this journey, we envision to build a high-quality pharmaceutical brand manufactured in Sri Lanka, and act on our purpose of “Making Premium Healthcare Affordable”. We aspire to drive this within a six-pillar framework of being Truly Sri Lankan, with Global Quality, at a Local Price, introducing Novel Therapies, maintaining Ethical Standards and safeguarding Credibility. In this endeavour we undertake the responsibility of building a set of high caliber professionals to take Sri Lanka’s pharma manufacturing industry forward.” stated Dinesh Athapaththu, Managing Director of Morison Limited.
Living up to its purpose, Morison recently launched the 1st locally manufactured SGLT-2, a new generation Diabetes molecule – Empagliflozin at a cost that is approximately 50% lesser than the prevailing market prices. According to the company, it is also working on a new product pipeline which will include some of the latest therapies predominantly in diabetic, cardiovascular and vitamin segments.
Further, leveraging the long-lasting relationships of the Hemas Group, Morison has signed up for contract manufacturing arrangements with a few leading regional pharmaceutical companies, which will be operationalized during the year.
Morison is hopeful that it can make a step change in the pharma manufacturing industry in Sri Lanka while helping to save much needed forex at this juncture and eventually build an export business.
Business
AHK Sri Lanka champions first-ever Sri Lankan delegation at Drupa 2024
The Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Sri Lanka (AHK Sri Lanka) proudly facilitated the first-ever Sri Lankan delegation’s participation at Drupa 2024, the world’s largest trade fair for the printing industry and technology. Held after an eight-year hiatus, Drupa 2024 was a landmark event, marking significant advancements and opportunities in the global printing industry.
AHK Sri Lanka played a pivotal role in organising and supporting the delegation, which comprised 17 members from the Sri Lanka Association for Printers (SLAP), representing eight companies from the commercial, newspaper, stationery printing, and packaging industries. This pioneering effort by AHK Sri Lanka not only showcased the diverse capabilities of Sri Lanka’s printing sector but also facilitated vital bilateral discussions with key stakeholders from the German printing industry.
Business
Unveiling Ayugiri: Browns Hotels & Resorts sets the stage for a new era in luxury Ayurveda Wellness
In a captivating reimagining of luxury wellness tourism, Browns Hotels & Resorts proudly unveiled the exquisite Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort Sigiriya. This momentous occasion, celebrated amidst a vibrant and serene grand opening on the 6th of June, heralds a new chapter in the Ayurveda wellness tourism landscape in Sri Lanka. Nestled amidst 54 acres of unspoiled natural splendour, Ayugiri features 22 exclusive suites and stands out as the only luxury Ayurveda wellness resort in the country offering plunge pools in every room, rendering it truly one-of-a-kind.
The grand opening of Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort was an enchanting event, where guests were captivated by the melodies of flutists and violinists resonating through Sigiriya’s lush landscapes. As traditional drummers and dancers infused the air with vibrant energy, Browns Hotels & Resorts’ CEO, Eksath Wijeratne, Kotaro Katsuki, Acting Ambassador for the Embassy of Japan and General Manager, Buwaneka Bandara, unveiled the resort’s new logo, marking a significant moment witnessed by distinguished guests from the French Embassy, Ayurveda and wellness enthusiasts along with officials from the Sigiriya area, LOLC Holdings and Browns Group.
“Our strategic expansion into wellness tourism with Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort Sigiriya symbolises a significant milestone for Browns Hotels & Resorts. Wellness tourism has consistently outperformed the overall tourism industry for over a decade, reflecting a growing global interest in travel that goes beyond leisure to offer rejuvenation and holistic well-being. By integrating the timeless wisdom of Ayurveda with modern luxury, we aim to set a new standard in luxury wellness tourism in Sri Lanka. Whether your goal is prevention, healing, or a deeper connection to inner harmony, Ayugiri offers a sanctuary for holistic well-being” stated Eksath Wijeratne.
Ayugiri encapsulates the essence of life, inspired by the lotus flower held by the graceful queens of the infamous Sigiriya frescoes. Just as the lotus emerges from the murky depths, untainted and serene,
Ayugiri invites guests on a journey of purity and rejuvenation, harmonised with a balance of mind, body and spirit, the essence of nature, echoes of culture and the wisdom of ancient Ayurvedic healing.
Business
HNB General Insurance recognized as Best General Bancassurance Provider in Sri Lanka 2024
HNB General Insurance, one of Sri Lanka’s leading general insurance providers, has been honored as the Best General Bancassurance Provider in Sri Lanka 2024 by the prestigious Global Banking and Finance Review – UK.
The esteemed accolade underscores HNB General Insurance’s unwavering commitment to excellence and its outstanding performance in the field of bancassurance. Through dedication and hard work, the HNB General Insurance team has continuously endeavored to deliver innovative insurance solutions, cultivate strong relationships with banking partners, and provide unparalleled service to customers nationwide. This recognition is a testament to the team’s dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence in the bancassurance business.
“We are honored to receive this prestigious award, which reflects our team’s tireless efforts and dedication to delivering value-added insurance solutions and exceptional service through our bancassurance partnerships,” said Sithumina Jayasundara, CEO of HNB General Insurance. “This recognition reaffirms our position as a trusted insurance provider in Sri Lanka and motivates us to continue striving for excellence in serving our customers and communities.”