- Zydus Lifesciences and Sunshine Healthcare commit over US$20 million to establish a world-class pharmaceutical manufacturing hub in Sri Lanka’s BOI Horana zone
- Strategic venture aims to boost domestic medicine production, reduce import dependence and strengthen national healthcare resilience
- Partnership blends Zydus’ global manufacturing excellence with Sunshine’s market leadership to accelerate technology transfer, skilled employment and industrial capability
- New facility to improve affordability, accessibility and uninterrupted availability of quality medicines for Sri Lankan patients
- Investment reinforces Zydus’ three-decade commitment to Sri Lanka while advancing the country’s vision of self-reliance in essential healthcare
NE BUSINESS BUREAU
AHMEDABAD/COLOMBO, JUNE 27
In a landmark move set to reshape Sri Lanka’s pharmaceutical manufacturing landscape, Zydus Lifesciences and Sunshine Healthcare have announced the formation of a strategic joint venture—Zydus Sunshine Lifesciences Pvt. Ltd.—backed by an investment commitment exceeding US$20 million to establish a state-of-the-art pharmaceutical manufacturing facility in the island nation.
The project, to be developed on nearly four acres within the Board of Investment (BOI) zone at Horana, marks a significant step towards strengthening Sri Lanka’s domestic pharmaceutical production, reducing reliance on imports and enhancing long-term healthcare security. The foundation stone for the facility was laid on Friday, formally launching the ambitious initiative.
The manufacturing plant will primarily cater to Sri Lanka’s retail pharmaceutical market, expanding local access to high-quality medicines while reinforcing the resilience of the country’s healthcare supply chain.
The joint venture combines Zydus’ globally recognised expertise in pharmaceutical manufacturing, technology and quality systems with Sunshine Healthcare’s deep market understanding and nationwide healthcare distribution network. Together, the partners aim to drive technology transfer, build indigenous manufacturing capability and generate skilled employment, supporting the long-term growth of Sri Lanka’s healthcare ecosystem.
The initiative assumes added significance as Sri Lanka intensifies efforts to strengthen domestic manufacturing in critical sectors. By expanding local pharmaceutical production, the venture is expected to improve medicine availability, enhance supply security and make essential healthcare products more affordable for consumers.
With capabilities spanning formulations, Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), medical technology, diagnostics, animal healthcare and consumer wellness, Zydus Lifesciences will bring its global manufacturing excellence and technical expertise to establish and scale the facility.
Dr. Sharvil P. Patel, Managing Director, Zydus Lifesciences Ltd., said, “We have always believed that strong local capabilities are key to resilient healthcare ecosystems. By combining Zydus’ global experience and manufacturing excellence with Sunshine Holdings’ local expertise, this collaboration marks an important step in strengthening Sri Lanka’s healthcare ecosystem and building sustainable pharmaceutical capabilities for the future.”
Shyam Sathasivam, Group CEO, Sunshine Holdings PLC, said, “This partnership is a strategic investment in Sri Lanka’s healthcare security and industrial growth. Together with Zydus, we aim to enhance local pharmaceutical manufacturing, create skilled employment, and improve access to essential medicines for Sri Lankan consumers.”
The project will operate under the oversight of the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka, with the Ministry of Health and the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) serving as key stakeholders. All products manufactured at the facility will comply with NMRA regulations and applicable national pricing frameworks, ensuring quality, safety and affordability.
The investment not only reinforces Zydus Lifesciences’ more than three-decade presence in Sri Lanka but also signals growing India-Sri Lanka collaboration in healthcare manufacturing, creating a robust platform for pharmaceutical self-reliance, technology-led industrial growth and improved patient access to quality medicines.
