Zydus Lifesciences and Sri Lanka’s Sunshine Healthcare are investing over $20 million in a pharmaceutical manufacturing facility in Sri Lanka, as the partners seek to strengthen domestic medicine production and reduce dependence on imported pharmaceuticals. The joint venture, Zydus Sunshine Lifesciences Pvt. Ltd., signed an agreement with the country’s Board of Investment (BOI) on October 13 to establish the plant in the Horana BOI zone.
The facility will be developed on nearly four acres of land, with commercial operations targeted for 2028, subject to project timelines and regulatory approvals.
During its initial phase, the plant will manufacture oral solid dosage forms, including tablets and capsules, for the Sri Lankan market. The project is expected to support local pharmaceutical manufacturing capacity, improve medicine supply-chain resilience and enhance access to quality medicines.
The venture combines Zydus Lifesciences’ pharmaceutical manufacturing expertise with Sunshine Healthcare’s established presence in Sri Lanka’s healthcare sector. Sunshine Healthcare is part of Sunshine Holdings PLC, a diversified Sri Lankan group with interests in healthcare and other industries.
Beyond production, the project is expected to facilitate technology transfer, develop local manufacturing capabilities and generate skilled employment. Reports indicate that more than 80% of the facility’s workforce is expected to comprise Sri Lankan nationals, with training planned in pharmaceutical production and quality assurance.
For Zydus, the investment expands its international manufacturing footprint and deepens its presence in the Sri Lankan market. For Sri Lanka, the project represents another step towards strengthening domestic pharmaceutical production and improving the resilience of its medicine supply chain.
Written by: Pramit Hazra
Graphics by: Pramit Hazra
