Zydus Lifesciences, an innovation-driven global life sciences company, and Sunshine Healthcare have announced the formation of a strategic joint venture, Zydus Sunshine Lifesciences Pvt. Ltd., with a planned investment of more than USD 20 million to establish a pharmaceutical manufacturing facility in Sri Lanka. 

The initiative aims to strengthen domestic pharmaceutical production, reduce import dependence, and improve access to high-quality medicines.

The manufacturing facility will be built on nearly four acres of land at the Board of Investment (BOI) Zone in Horana, with the foundation stone laid today, marking the official start of the project. 

The plant will manufacture pharmaceutical products for Sri Lanka's retail market, supporting the country's efforts to strengthen supply chain resilience and enhance the availability of essential medicines.

The joint venture brings together Zydus' global expertise in pharmaceutical manufacturing and technology with Sunshine Healthcare's strong local market presence and distribution network. 

The collaboration is expected to facilitate technology transfer, expand local manufacturing capabilities, generate skilled employment, and contribute to the long-term development of Sri Lanka's healthcare ecosystem. The project also aligns with the country's broader objective of boosting domestic manufacturing in critical sectors.

Zydus Lifesciences contributes extensive capabilities across formulations, active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), medical technology, diagnostics, animal healthcare, and consumer wellness, which will support the development and scaling of the new facility.

Dr. Sharvil P. Patel, Managing Director, Zydus Lifesciences Ltd., said, "We have always believed that strong local capabilities are key to resilient healthcare ecosystems. By combining Zydus' global experience and manufacturing excellence with Sunshine Holdings' local expertise, this collaboration marks an important step in strengthening Sri Lanka's healthcare ecosystem and building sustainable pharmaceutical capabilities for the future."

Shyam Sathasivam, Group CEO, Sunshine Holdings PLC, added, "This partnership is a strategic investment in Sri Lanka's healthcare security and industrial growth. Together with Zydus, we aim to enhance local pharmaceutical manufacturing, create skilled employment, and improve access to essential medicines for Sri Lankan consumers."

The project will operate under the oversight of the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka, with the Ministry of Healthand the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) serving as key stakeholders. All products manufactured at the facility will comply with NMRA regulations and applicable pricing frameworks.