Cabinet Co-Spokesman Dr. Ramesh Pathirana said the decision was made in line with policies of the Government, where the State Pharmaceutical Corporation (SPC) is adopting strategic measures to increase its local production of pharmaceuticals.
“Accordingly, the establishment of pharmaceutical zones in Arabokka in the Hambantota District and Oyamaduwa in the Anuradhapura District has commenced. In addition, another pharmaceutical zone will be established in Millewa, Horana,” Dr. Pathirana said.
Orthopaedic and neurosurgical equipment, cancer drugs, surgical instruments, contact lenses, as well as a variety of drugs will be among the products manufactured at the Horana zone.
The project will be implemented under two phases, the first of which is expected to kick off in March with an investment of Rs. 8 billion.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has already been signed between the SPC and the Urban Development Authority (UDA) to allocate a 64 acre and 83.3 perch land belonging to the latter to establish the proposed drug zone.
Cabinet approved a proposal jointly presented by Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa in his capacity as Housing and Urban Development Minister and Health Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi. A steering committee chaired by the Treasury Secretary and comprised of line ministry secretaries will be appointed to expedite implementation.
A project management committee headed by the SPC Chairman will also be appointed to provide technical assistance to the Steering Committee and to appoint Selendiva, a fully State-owned company, as project manager to provide pre and post-contract and financial consulting services.
(FT)