Five Sri Lankan pharmaceutical manufacturers explored export opportunities, technology partnerships and international business linkages at CPHI Worldwide 2026, held in Milan, Italy, from October 6 to 8.

The exposure visit was facilitated by the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), in collaboration with the Sri Lankan Embassy in Rome and the Consulate General in Milan, with the aim of strengthening the international presence and competitiveness of Sri Lanka’s pharmaceutical industry.

The five-member delegation represented the State Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Corporation, Siddhalepa Exports (Pvt) Ltd, Lina Manufacturing (Pvt) Ltd, Vetpharma Biotechnology (Pvt) Ltd and Aithra Pharmaceuticals (Pvt) Ltd. The companies represent pharmaceutical, veterinary, cosmeceutical and natural products sectors.

CPHI Worldwide is a major international pharmaceutical industry exhibition connecting manufacturers, active pharmaceutical ingredient suppliers, contract development and manufacturing organisations, packaging providers and technical service companies. It offers a platform for exploring emerging technologies, market trends and potential commercial partnerships across the pharmaceutical value chain.

During the event, the Sri Lankan delegation engaged with international pharmaceutical companies and specialised service providers, including Barbados Pharmaceutical Inc. of Barbados, Orion GXP Consulting of Ireland, Gruppo Farmalpresa of Italy, Intertek of the United Kingdom, Nanopharm of France and NATAC of Spain. Representatives of Tanzania’s Ministry of Health also participated in discussions.

The engagements provided opportunities to explore business partnerships, technical cooperation, pharmaceutical product development, natural ingredients, regulatory requirements and international market development.

The Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Milan also organised dedicated business networking sessions, enabling the delegation to engage with prospective buyers, distributors and other industry stakeholders and discuss opportunities for expanding exports.

Sri Lanka’s pharmaceutical manufacturers face challenges in accessing highly regulated international markets, where product registration, quality assurance and regulatory compliance can involve considerable time and investment. Requirements such as European Union Good Manufacturing Practice (EU-GMP) standards can present additional challenges for companies seeking market authorisation.

The industry must also keep pace with evolving regulatory frameworks, new pharmaceutical molecules, advanced manufacturing technologies, emerging products, marketing strategies and changes in global supply chains.

Greater exposure to international developments and closer engagement with overseas industry players are therefore important for improving local manufacturers’ understanding of global market expectations and supporting a shift towards higher-value production.

The EDB said it would continue working with industry stakeholders and Sri Lanka’s overseas missions to promote local pharmaceutical products, facilitate international business connections and strengthen the long-term competitiveness of the country’s pharmaceutical export sector.