Shocking industry data reveals that more than half of Sri Lanka’s pharmacies lack licensed pharmacists, raising urgent public health concerns as regulators simultaneously expose 24 illegal pyramid schemes.
Sri Lanka’s pharmaceutical sector is facing a serious regulatory and public safety challenge. Industry representatives warn that nearly 2,800 out of approximately 4,800 private pharmacies are operating without licensed pharmacists. With only about 2,000 qualified pharmacists actively registered nationwide, a significant portion of prescription medication is reportedly being dispensed without proper professional supervision.
This imbalance has triggered alarm over patient safety, drug regulation, and legal compliance. Prescription medicines require expert oversight to ensure accurate dosage, prevent harmful interactions, and guide patients on safe usage. Without licensed pharmacists, the risk of medication errors, misuse, and long term health complications increases substantially.
The All Ceylon Private Pharmacists’ Association stressed that licensed pharmacists are legally mandated to supervise dispensing, verify prescriptions, and counsel patients. According to the association, allowing unlicensed staff to handle pharmaceutical responsibilities undermines established healthcare standards and could normalize unsafe dispensing practices across Sri Lanka. Authorities have been urged to strengthen enforcement mechanisms, tighten pharmacy licensing regulations, and conduct routine compliance inspections.
• Public Health Risk: The widespread absence of licensed pharmacists threatens medication safety, increases the potential for prescription abuse, and weakens trust in the healthcare system.
• Regulatory Accountability: Industry stakeholders emphasize the urgent need for stronger regulatory oversight, stricter enforcement of pharmacy laws, and penalties for non compliance to restore public confidence.
• Financial Crackdown: In a parallel development, the Central Bank of Sri Lanka has identified 24 institutions and digital platforms operating prohibited pyramid schemes under the Banking Act. Entities named include I.C.A.N. Advertising (Pvt) Ltd along with several affiliated promotional and investment platforms.
Other organizations listed span health care, online trading, and investment networks, highlighting broader concerns about financial fraud and consumer protection.
Together, these developments expose vulnerabilities in both public health regulation and financial oversight. As authorities move to address illegal investment schemes and pharmacy compliance failures, the spotlight now turns to enforcement capacity, institutional integrity, and the protection of citizens from preventable harm.
