NMRA and University of Colombo Partner to Strengthen Pharmaceutical Safety

The National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 16 January 2026 to establish a collaborative Quality Assurance Programme aimed at strengthening the safety, efficacy, and quality of medicinal products in Sri Lanka. The MoU was signed with the participation of Dr Ananda Wijewickrama, Chairman of the NMRA, and Professor Indika Mahesh Karunathilake, Vice-Chancellor of the University.
Through this partnership, the NMRA will provide test samples, technical guidance, and regulatory support, while the Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, will conduct laboratory testing, implement quality management systems, and ensure compliance with national and international standards. The initiative addresses growing testing backlogs, reduces reliance on costly overseas laboratories, and leverages academic and regulatory expertise to ensure timely, accurate, and reliable pharmaceutical quality control, ultimately safeguarding public health across the country.