Zydus Lifesciences and Sri Lanka-based Sunshine Healthcare Lanka have announced a 50:50 joint venture to establish a pharmaceutical manufacturing facility in Sri Lanka, marking a significant step towards strengthening the island nation’s healthcare ecosystem. The partners will jointly invest more than $20 million to set up the greenfield manufacturing unit, which is expected to reduce the country’s dependence on imported medicines while improving access to high-quality, affordable treatments.
The new venture, named Zydus Sunshine Lifesciences Pvt. Ltd., will develop a modern pharmaceutical manufacturing facility in Horana. Once operational, the plant will produce a wide range of medicines for domestic demand and, over time, explore export opportunities across the region. The project is also expected to create skilled jobs and support the growth of Sri Lanka’s pharmaceutical manufacturing capabilities.
The collaboration combines Zydus Lifesciences’ global expertise in research, development and manufacturing with Sunshine Healthcare Lanka’s strong local presence and understanding of the Sri Lankan healthcare market. Company leaders said the partnership reflects a shared commitment to expanding access to quality medicines while contributing to the country’s long-term healthcare resilience.
The investment comes at a time when Sri Lanka is actively encouraging domestic pharmaceutical production to reduce import dependence and strengthen supply chain security. By manufacturing medicines locally, the joint venture aims to improve product availability, ensure a more reliable supply of essential drugs and support the country’s broader healthcare goals.
For Zydus Lifesciences, the venture also fits its strategy of expanding in emerging international markets through strategic partnerships. The company already has a presence in more than 50 countries and sees the Sri Lankan investment as an opportunity to deepen its regional footprint while delivering affordable healthcare solutions. Sunshine Healthcare, meanwhile, will use the partnership to strengthen local manufacturing capabilities and bring advanced pharmaceutical technologies to Sri Lanka.