One Health, One Pharmacy: Building a Stronger Pharmaceutical Profession for Sri Lanka’s Future

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As healthcare systems across the world grapple with ageing populations, rising non-communicable diseases, antimicrobial resistance and increasing healthcare costs, the role of pharmacists is undergoing a remarkable transformation. 

No longer confined to dispensing medicines, pharmacists are increasingly recognised as frontline healthcare professionals who contribute to disease prevention, medication safety, patient counselling, public health and clinical decision-making.

Against this backdrop, the Pharmaceutical Society of Sri Lanka (PSSL) convened its 44th Annual General Meeting, Scientific Session and Awards Ceremony under the theme "One Health, One Pharmacy: Advancing Science, Practice and Education in Sri Lanka." The event brought together local healthcare leaders, international pharmacy organisations, academics, researchers and practitioners to discuss how the profession should evolve to meet emerging healthcare challenges.

The gathering also reflected Sri Lanka's growing recognition within the global pharmacy community. Leaders from the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP), Federation of Asian Pharmaceutical Associations (FAPA), Commonwealth Pharmacists Association (CPA), together with Sri Lanka's Health Minister and local pharmacy leaders, unanimously stressed that strengthening the pharmacy profession would be essential to improving healthcare delivery and patient outcomes.

A recurring message throughout the conference was that investment in pharmacists is an investment in the country's healthcare future.

Global Call for Greater Collaboration 

Federation of Asian Pharmaceutical Associations (FAPA)

President of the Federation of Asian Pharmaceutical Associations (FAPA), Yolanda R. Robles, congratulated the Pharmaceutical Society of Sri Lanka for selecting a theme that reflects the changing direction of global healthcare.

She observed that pharmacy practice worldwide is moving towards stronger collaboration among healthcare professionals and sectors, recognising that modern health challenges require multidisciplinary solutions. According to her, the concept of "One Health, One Pharmacy" reflects this global shift by promoting cooperation between healthcare professionals while advancing pharmaceutical science, education and professional practice.

Robles commended PSSL for preparing Sri Lankan pharmacists to assume broader responsibilities in addressing healthcare priorities such as improving the quality of healthcare services, ensuring equitable access to medicines and expanding access to safe, effective and affordable pharmaceutical products.

She also acknowledged PSSL's active engagement with FAPA through its leadership, noting that Sri Lankan pharmacists have demonstrated a strong commitment to professional development at both national and international levels. Expressing confidence in the profession's future, she hoped that PSSL's achievements would continue to strengthen both the pharmacy profession and public health in Sri Lanka.

Empowering the Next Generation

Outgoing PSSL President Priyantha Sahabandu 

Reflecting on the completion of his two-year tenure, outgoing PSSL President Priyantha Sahabandu  described serving the profession as one of the greatest privileges of his career.

He said his presidency was guided by the vision of "Helping Students and Young Professionals for the Future," recognising that investing in the next generation would determine the long-term sustainability of pharmacy in Sri Lanka.

During his tenure, PSSL introduced several initiatives designed to modernise the Society and strengthen professional development. These included expanded Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programmes, leadership training, student engagement initiatives, professional networking opportunities and greater international exposure for pharmacists.

Sahabandu highlighted the Society's growing international partnerships with organisations such as FIP, FAPA, the Commonwealth Pharmacists Association and CASPPER Australia. These collaborations have created new opportunities for research, education, knowledge sharing and professional advancement.

He stressed that pharmacists today have responsibilities extending well beyond medicines. They are expected to improve patient outcomes through continuous learning, innovation, ethical practice and compassionate healthcare delivery.

According to him, every investment made in education and professional development ultimately benefits not only pharmacists but also the healthcare system, pharmaceutical industry and society as a whole.

As he concluded his term, Sahabandu encouraged pharmacists to dedicate their knowledge, experience and empathy towards improving the health and wellbeing of patients while supporting the profession's continued growth.

Government Recognises Expanded Role of Pharmacists 

 Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa 

Delivering the keynote address, Health and Mass Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa  emphasised that pharmacists have become indispensable members of modern healthcare teams.

He noted that today's healthcare challenges—including non-communicable diseases, antimicrobial resistance, emerging infectious diseases, ageing populations and escalating healthcare costs—require innovative and multidisciplinary approaches.

Against this backdrop, pharmacists can no longer be viewed merely as professionals responsible for supplying medicines. Instead, they now contribute significantly to medication management, patient counselling, pharmacovigilance, disease prevention, antimicrobial stewardship and improving therapeutic outcomes.

The Minister acknowledged discussions held during the scientific sessions regarding the expansion of clinical pharmacy services and expressed the Government's willingness to work closely with the profession to strengthen healthcare delivery.

He praised the achievements of PSSL under Sahabandu's leadership, particularly its efforts to strengthen continuing professional development, enhance research, promote evidence-based practice and expand international collaborations.

A major highlight of his address was Sri Lanka's successful bid to host the Asian Pharmacy Summit in 2027. Describing it as a milestone achievement, he said hosting the regional summit would showcase Sri Lanka's professional capabilities while creating opportunities for knowledge exchange and regional cooperation.

He assured participants that the Government would explore ways of supporting preparations for the summit and reaffirmed its appreciation of pharmacists working across hospitals, community pharmacies, academia, industry, research, regulation and public health.

Dr. Jayatissa concluded by urging pharmacists to continue developing innovative patient-centred services that contribute to medication safety, rational medicine use and better public health outcomes.

Building Sustainable Healthcare Systems 

  International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) 

International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) President Paul Sinclair  highlighted the growing importance of pharmacists in building resilient healthcare systems worldwide.

Congratulating PSSL on more than four decades of service, he noted that the Society has played a vital role in advancing pharmacy education, professional development and pharmaceutical practice in Sri Lanka.

Sinclair said the conference theme appropriately reflected the increasingly complex healthcare landscape where pharmacists are expected to address antimicrobial resistance, medicines safety and chronic disease management through collaboration and innovation.

He welcomed the participation of international organisations including FIP, CPA, FAPA and CASPPER, saying such partnerships demonstrate the profession's collective commitment to sharing knowledge and developing common solutions to healthcare challenges.

Referring to this year's World Pharmacists Day theme, "Empowering Pharmacists for Healthier Futures," Sinclair stressed that strengthening pharmacists' capabilities is fundamental to creating sustainable health systems globally.

He also acknowledged Sahabandu's contribution to advancing pharmacy in Sri Lanka while expressing confidence in the incoming leadership to build upon the Society's achievements.

Commonwealth Partnership for Better Patient Care 

Commonwealth Pharmacists Association (CPA)

Representing the Commonwealth Pharmacists Association (CPA), President Annagrace Malamsha emphasised that pharmacists are increasingly central to tackling global health challenges.

She said pharmacists occupy a unique position in addressing antimicrobial resistance, medicines safety, chronic disease management and wider public health concerns because of their accessibility and specialised expertise.

Malamsha highlighted the longstanding partnership between CPA, PSSL and CASPPER, noting that their shared objective is to strengthen Sri Lanka's health system through workforce development, leadership training, continuing education and advocacy.

She welcomed the growing momentum behind clinical pharmacy services, pharmacy education and leadership development in Sri Lanka, observing that closer collaboration between education, research, professional practice and policy would help expand patient-centred pharmaceutical services.

She also paid tribute to Sahabandu for strengthening PSSL's national and international profile during his presidency while extending her best wishes to the incoming leadership.

Looking Ahead 

Incoming PSSL Leadership

President-Elect Nirmalanthi de Silva  outlined the Society's priorities for the coming years, stressing that pharmacy is fundamentally about serving humanity rather than merely dispensing medicines.

She observed that pharmacists remain among the most trusted and accessible healthcare professionals, contributing directly to safe, effective and rational medicine use while improving patient outcomes.

Looking ahead, PSSL intends to strengthen pharmacy education through closer collaboration with universities and regulatory authorities while enhancing the knowledge and competencies of community pharmacists.

The Society also aims to further integrate clinical pharmacy services into Sri Lanka's healthcare system and continue working with the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) to provide pharmacists with training on regulatory compliance and professional standards.

International engagement will remain another priority, with PSSL seeking to deepen collaboration with FIP, FAPA and CPA to provide members with greater professional opportunities.

Among the Society's long-term aspirations is the establishment of a **Pharmacy Council in Sri Lanka**, which the incoming leadership believes will further strengthen professional governance, standards and accountability.

The discussions at the 44th Annual General Meeting of the Pharmaceutical Society of Sri Lanka reflected a profession in transition. Across all presentations, speakers consistently highlighted that pharmacists are evolving into comprehensive healthcare providers whose contributions extend well beyond medicine dispensing.

Whether addressing medication safety, chronic disease management, antimicrobial resistance, clinical pharmacy, education or healthcare innovation, pharmacists are increasingly expected to work alongside doctors, nurses and other professionals in delivering patient-centred care.

The conference also demonstrated Sri Lanka's growing stature within the international pharmacy community, particularly with its successful bid to host the Asian Pharmacy Summit in 2027. International organisations reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the country's professional development through education, research and global collaboration.

For Sri Lanka, strengthening the pharmacy profession is closely linked to strengthening the national healthcare system itself. Investment in education, leadership development, research, regulatory capacity and clinical pharmacy services will not only elevate the profession but also improve patient safety, healthcare quality and public health outcomes.

The message emerging from the conference was clear: empowering pharmacists today is essential for building a healthier, more resilient Sri Lanka tomorrow.

Mr. Priyantha Sahabandu, President, PSSL

 

Dr. Yolanda R. Robles, President, FAPA

Annagrace Malamsha, President, CPA

 

Prof. Victoria Rutter, CEO, CPA

 

Paul Sinclair, President, FIP

 

Nirmalanthi de Silva, President-Elect, PSSL