Health and Mass Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa has squarely placed the blame for Sri Lanka’s ongoing medicine shortage on the previous inaction of the government in 2024, accusing authorities of failing to initiate timely and adequate procurement processes.
Speaking at an event in Colombo, Minister Jayatissa revealed that only 67 types of medicines were tendered for purchase in the first five months of 2024. This, he said, was indicative of a broader failure to meet procurement deadlines for 2025, resulting in supply gaps now affecting hospitals and patients.
In contrast, the current administration has moved swiftly, completing the procurement process for 233 essential medicines within the first five months of 2025 alone, he noted. These drugs had seen a lapse in production in recent years, and the expedited tenders are part of efforts to restore supply stability.
The Minister outlined the broader challenges facing Sri Lanka’s healthcare system, noting that 65% of medicines used in government hospitals are imported, while the remaining 35% are domestically produced. He emphasized that the pharmaceutical supply chain is intricate, requiring approximately nine months from the point of procurement to nationwide distribution.
“This is not a quick process,” Jayatissa said. “It takes time and coordination. However, we have made significant progress. The State Pharmaceuticals Corporation must procure 450 types of medicines by 2026. Already, tenders have been initiated for 435 of them, and the procurement process for 418 is complete. Out of these, 325 have been submitted for the required evaluations.”
The Minister also addressed the government’s long-term strategy to ensure a consistent supply of medicines. Discussions were held with local pharmaceutical manufacturers and importers to assess their capacity to meet demand within agreed timelines.
“We’ve issued targets,” Jayatissa said. “If local suppliers cannot deliver the required medicines on time, we will engage with foreign governments and initiate alternate procurement plans. That is the only viable solution to address the medicine shortages that arose due to last year’s failures.”
He stressed that the Ministry’s ultimate goal is to maintain a steady, reliable flow of high-quality medicines for all citizens. “Our commitment is clear—we aim to ensure the public has uninterrupted access to the drugs they need,” he affirmed.
