Discussions held at the National Council sub-committee on identifying short and medium-term programs related to Economic Stabilization

The National Council sub-committee on identifying short and medium-term programs related to Economic Stabilization took to discussion that a large number of medications imported into Sri Lanka are not essential for the use of the people of Sri Lanka, and due to the importation of varied specific drugs from various different brands and the lack of proper regulation has become a big problem.

Therefore, the focus was directed on re-establishing a high-level technical committee, as was the case during the Covid-19 pandemic, to identify the need of drugs required by the people of Sri Lanka and what drugs are essential to meet such requirement.

Such views were expressed at the National Council sub-committee on identifying short and medium-term programs related to Economic Stabilization, which met in Parliament today (Oct. 14) under the chairmanship of Hon. Patali Champika Ranawaka, Member of Parliament.

Comments were also expressed regarding the fact that the procurement process for the importation and distribution of drugs to Sri Lanka takes a lot of time and lacks formal coordination. The scholars presented their views and plans to the committee regarding the regularization and coordination of this procurement process.

The committee also focused on the possibility of using traditional medicine in indigenous medicine to prevent diseases. The committee also focused on the possibility of using in indigenous medicine to prevent diseases. In addition to that, the need to popularize food and alternative local medication that can be used to reduce diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol, which are the most used drugs in Sri Lanka, was also emphasized.

The problems that have arisen in the production of indigenous medicines were also discussed at length in the committee.

Former Chairman of the Prof. Asitha de Silva as Chairman- National Medicine Regulatory Authority (NMRA), Member of the National Medicine Regulatory Authority and National Institute of Epidemiology Dr. Ananda Wijewickrama and Professor Priyadarshini Galappatti of University of Colombo provided their expertise to the committee.

Also, the Chairman of the State Pharmaceuticals Corporation of Sri Lanka, the Chairman of the National Medicines Regulatory Authority, Prof. S.D. Jayaratne, Ayurveda Commissioner Dr. M. D. J. Abeygunawardane, Ayurvedic Medicine Prof. Kamal Perera as and a group of officials from the Department of National Budget and the Ministry of Finance also presented their views.

State Minster Hon. Sisira Jayakody, Members of Parliament Hon. (Dr.) Sudarshini Fernandopulle and Hon. Wajira Abeywardana and Mr. Tikiri K. Jayathilake, Assistant Secretary General of the Parliament were also present at this meeting.