Business
Morison commences local production of three high-in-demand medicines
Morison Ltd., a pioneer in pharmaceutical manufacturing in Sri Lanka (formerly known as J.L. Morison’s Son & Jones (Ceylon) PLC), commenced manufacturing of Bisoprolol tablets B.P. 5mg 250s, Ros-10 (Rosuvastatin tablets I.P. 10mg 30s blister), and ChlorMor (Chlorphenamine tablets B.P. 4mg 100s blister) recently. This marks a milestone in the local pharmaceutical industry, as these high-in-demand medicines are now more affordable and accessible to our people, the supply of which does not have to depend on imports.
For the first time in Sri Lanka, Bisoprolol 5 mg tablets are now being manufactured locally by Morison and supplied to the Medical Supplies Division for the use in government hospitals. Used as a treatment for high blood pressure and other cardiovascular conditions, the annual requirement of Bisoprolol in the government sector is around 40 million tablets, which was being imported to date. By producing the same locally, Morison is able to make a significant forex saving for the national economy during these unprecedented times. Plans are underway to make Bisoprolol B.P. 2.5mg and 5 mg available in all leading pharmacies as a branded medication in due course, to enable purchasing through a valid prescription.
The second new product launched, Ros-10 (Rosuvastatin tablets I.P. 10mg 30s blister) is used to treat high blood cholesterol, a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Morison launched Ros-10 at approximately half of the current weighted average market price, offering significant savings to Sri Lankans. The third latest addition to the Morison portfolio, ChlorMor (Chlorphenamine tablets B.P. 4mg 100s blister) is an oral antihistamine that helps to relieve symptoms of allergies. This too was launched at a price less than the prevailing similar products in the market.
Dinesh Athapaththu, Managing Director of Morison Limited, commented on the commencement of production of these pharmaceuticals saying, “This indeed is a key milestone for Morison as well as the pharmaceutical manufacturing industry in the country. Our purpose is to “Make Premium Healthcare Affordable”, and this is what we aim at achieving as we supply to the local demand for a lesser price, while maintaining the highest standards of quality. We commenced operations of our latest state-of-the-art manufacturing and research facility in Homagama in May this year, which is the largest investment to date in the pharmaceutical manufacturing industry in Sri Lanka. This will be a great boost for the pharmaceutical supply of the country during this crucial hour. As a subsidiary of the Hemas Group, Morison continues to receive the best of technology and knowledge investment in our journey.”
Being the first and largest general oral solid dosage (OSD) and oral liquid dosage (OLD) manufacturing facility in compliance with WHO GMP and EU GMP infrastructure and quality management systems in Sri Lanka, the Morison’s second manufacturing facility in Homagama, has the inbuilt capacity to produce 5 Bn tablets and 2 Mn litres of liquids per annum, which is equivalent to 40% of the national annual general OSD demand in Sri Lanka.
Prior to introducing Ros-10, Bisoprolol and ChlorMor, Morison launched the first ever locally manufactured SGLT2 molecule (Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2), Empagliflozin tablets 10mg and 25mg in 2021. An oral medication to treat Type 2 Diabetes, this was launched at approximately 50% price advantage from the market. The launch of the three new products is yet another progressive step of Morison, towards being a beacon of hope to Sri Lankans by “Making Premium Healthcare Affordable” in this critical juncture.
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.
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.”
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