Glaxosmithkline (GSK) yesterday opened its new pharmaceutical tablets manufacturing facility at a ceremony, which was officiated by Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapakse and Health Minister Maithripala Sirisena.

Ministers Basil Rajapaksa and Maithreepala Sirisena and GSK officials clad in white lab coats and masks checking over the production process inside the new factory (Pic by: Kithsiri De Mel)

The facility which was constructed and equipped at a cost of Rs.217 million is for the production of Panadol tablets and will have the capability to manufacture other pharmaceutical tablet formulations as well.

This is one of the single largest investments in Sri Lanka’s pharmaceutical industry and is likely to make a significant positive impact.

Designed to comply with GSK’S stringent global quality standards, the manufacturing facility is equipped with a state-ofthe-art laboratory operated by a cadre of trained staff. The quality of Panadol tablets produced at this facility will be on par with Panadol produced in countries such as Australia and the UK.

Speaking on the occasion, GSK Consumer Healthcare Sri Lanka Managing Director T.S. Dayanand said, “This is a landmark project for us and reiterates GSK’S commitment towards strengthening its long standing footprint in the country. It is also in line with the vision President Mahinda Rajapakse has for the healthcare sector of the nation.”

Elaborating further he said, “GSK employs over 500 people and conducts business with 200 business partners, thereby touching many people’s lives. We will continue to live up to our vision of improving the quality of human life by enabling people to do more, feel better and live longer.”