Raddella Holdings launches Sri Lanka’s first Biotech Insulin manufacturing plant 

Raddella Holdings has introduced yet another revolutionary first with the launch of Sri Lanka’s first and only biotech insulin manufacturing plant. 
The recently concluded groundbreaking ceremony was held on September 18, at the Koggala Export Processing Zone. The landmark event was attended by a host of dignitaries and guests including the State Minister of Pharmaceutical Production, Supply, and Regulation (Prof.) Channa Jayasumana, Minister of Tourism - Prasanna Ranatunga, Minister of Plantation - (Dr.) Ramesh Pathirana, State Minister of Rural and School Sports Infrastructure Development - Thenuka Vidanagamage and many more. 
The operation of the new plant will involve a joint venture between the Premium International Injectable Company (Pvt) Ltd, a subsidiary of Raddella Holdings and the State Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Corporation (SPMC). All new products manufactured as a result of this venture will be done under the SPMC brand name, with full government supervision, the company said in a media release. 
The biotechnology manufacturing plant is a Rs. 3.5 billion, 100 per cent local investment, which will employ over 200 specialized and highly trained professionals. All technology used in manufacturing will be state-of-the-art and conform to the highest tier of European standardization. This new plant has the capacity to meet 100 per cent of projected local demand for the next 15 years. The surplus produced thereafter will be exported and provide a valuable source of foreign revenue. 
The new plant will utilize world famous SCADA systems to monitor and control the plant, all equipment, and the entire manufacturing process. This will guarantee the highest level of quality control, where all records of manufacture are completely automated and thus tamper-proof. Other quality control methods include adhering to the European Union Goods Manufacturing Practice (EUGMP), Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), while also complying with the strict standards set by the World Health Organisation (WHO). 
The extensive planning for the plant happened over the last two years, in this time all designs, technology transfers, and specialist training have been completed, with all approvals and certification having been obtained. With construction completed soon, the plant will commence operations shortly. 
The release said that all drugs manufactured via this new venture will be custom made and specifically designed for the needs of the local consumer. 
Speaking at the launch, Managing Director – CEO, Thushira Raddella said: “The opening of Sri Lanka’s first biotechnology manufacturing plant is a momentous occasion for the whole country. In fact, the SPMC has done an outstanding job in ensuring a project of this magnitude is possible. It is also a step in the right direction as we embrace the virtue of self-reliance as a nation. The venture which is a 100 per cent local investment will operate to European standards. This will ensure that all Sri Lankans have access to excellent quality medication, however at just a fraction of the current cost of expensive foreign imports. We have worked tirelessly with multiple stakeholders and completed all designs, technology transfers, and specialist training – the construction is just the last tip of the iceberg.” 
Raddella Holdings is a family enterprise founded in 1984 by Nihal Raddella, a visionary in the field of finance and civil engineering. The organisation has since expanded and today to the second generation of the Raddella family which continues this progressive vision with a diversified conglomerate that employs over 1000 employees and has a presence in several key sectors. 

Above: Thushira Raddella, Managing Director/CEO, Raddella Holdings speaking at the event.