Risk of Medicine Shortages Looms in Sri Lanka, Warns Chamber

23-Apr-2026

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The Sri Lanka Chamber of the Pharmaceutical Industry has warned that the country’s ability to ensure uninterrupted access to essential and life-saving medicines may be severely affected due to increasing pressure on the pharmaceutical supply chain.

The Chamber stated that unless immediate and practical measures are taken to prevent the crisis from worsening, shortages in both the private and public healthcare sectors will intensify, causing severe hardship to patients, hospitals, and pharmacies.

In a statement issued by the Chamber, it was noted that global supply chain costs, a 38% rise in fuel prices, more than a 40% increase in freight charges, and a 70% rise in the cost of pharmaceutical raw materials have destabilised the industry.

In addition, the depreciation of the Sri Lankan Rupee against the US Dollar, delays in issuing import licences, and prolonged price revision processes have further disrupted medicine supply.

Emphasising that medicines are not ordinary consumer products but are critical for emergency care and chronic disease management, the Chamber warned that even minor delays under current conditions could rapidly escalate into major shortages. It further cautioned that disruptions in legitimate supply could allow substandard or illegal medicines to enter the market, posing serious threats to patient safety.

The Chamber urged authorities to remove delays in import licence processing and take urgent steps to stabilise the pharmaceutical supply chain, taking into account increased transport and production costs. It warned that failure to act in a coordinated manner could lead to a national health crisis, while reaffirming its commitment to ensuring Sri Lankans have access to safe and quality medicines.