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Krishani
Krishani
Oct 23 2026
39Sri Lankan pharmaceutical manufacturers have explored new export markets, business partnerships and technology collaborations at CPHI Worldwide 2026, a major international pharmaceutical industry exhibition held in Milan, Italy.
The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), in collaboration with the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Rome and the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Milan, facilitated an exposure visit for a five-member business delegation representing five local companies
The 37th edition of CPHI Worldwide was held from October 6 to 8 at Fiera Milano, providing opportunities for Sri Lankan manufacturers to connect with international industry stakeholders and explore avenues for expanding their global market presence.
The participating companies were the State Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Corporation, Siddhalepa Exports (Pvt) Ltd, Lina Manufacturing (Pvt) Ltd, Vetpharma Biotechnology (Pvt) Ltd and Aithra Pharmaceuticals (Pvt) Ltd. They represented the pharmaceutical, veterinary, cosmeceutical and natural products sectors.
CPHI Worldwide brings together pharmaceutical manufacturers, active pharmaceutical ingredient suppliers, contract development and manufacturing organisations, packaging providers and specialised technical service companies.
The Sri Lankan delegation engaged with international companies, including Barbados Pharmaceutical Inc., Orion GXP Consulting, Gruppo Farmalpresa, Intertek, Nanopharm and NATAC, as well as representatives of Tanzania’s Ministry of Health. The discussions covered potential business partnerships, technical cooperation, pharmaceutical product development, natural ingredients, regulatory requirements and international market development.
The Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Milan also organised dedicated business networking sessions, enabling delegates to connect with potential buyers, distributors and other industry representatives. Participation comes amid challenges facing Sri Lankan manufacturers in meeting increasingly stringent international regulatory requirements, including European Union Good Manufacturing Practice (EU-GMP) standards. Securing market authorisation in highly regulated markets can be a lengthy and costly process.
The exposure programme aimed to improve local manufacturers’ understanding of international market expectations, emerging technologies, manufacturing standards and global pharmaceutical supply chains. The EDB said it would continue working with industry stakeholders and Sri Lanka’s overseas missions to promote local pharmaceutical products, strengthen international business linkages and enhance the competitiveness of the country’s pharmaceutical export sector.
