On the 67th anniversary of independence of Sri Lanka, one of the oldest democracies in Asia has, in the face of many challenges, again proved its commitment to freedom and democracy through yet another peaceful transition of power.
Unlike in the Arab Spring where change was brought about by bullets, pellets and stones Sri Lanka’s ‘rainbow revolution’ was achieved by power of the ballot — paving the way for far — reaching constitutional reforms that will make Sri Lanka a modern 21st century democracy.
Sri Lanka’s civil war ended 6 years ago. The challenge now is to win the hearts and minds of all Sri Lankans and create a Sri Lankan identity based on the cultural diversity of its people.
If Sri Lanka is to harness its true economic potential it must meet the aspirations of all its different communities to live in ethnic harmony, religious tolerance and in a free and democratic society.
We must take this opportunity to ensure a just society where the rule of law prevails and no one is above the law.
Sri Lanka, despite its modest means and even smaller size, has always played an important role on the world stage.
The time has now come to restore the respect and dignity Sri Lanka once commanded.
Sri Lanka must harness this goodwill for the betterment of her people.
All Sri Lankans, both on the island and abroad, must bury their differences and create a new Sri Lanka which will meet the hopes and aspirations of our people.
On the occasion of our national day let us all collectively re-dedicate ourselves to building a new multi-cultural Sri Lanka where freedom, equality and justice prevail for all.
Mangala Samaraweera, MP
Minister of Foreign Affairs
Constitutional reforms will promote democracy
Constitutional reforms will promote democracy
SFDA’s generic drug conference in Riyadh to empower local pharmaceutical manufacturing
- Conference aim is to build a resilient, sustainable pharmaceutical sector that supports public health
RIYADH: The Saudi Food and Drug Authority will organize the Generic Drugs Conference 2025 under the title “Empowering Local Pharmaceutical Manufacturing: The Future of Generic Drugs in Saudi Arabia” on Dec. 30 in Riyadh.
The conference aim is to build a resilient, sustainable pharmaceutical sector that supports public health, according to a press release issued by the Saudi food safety watchdog.
The conference will be a unique platform bringing together healthcare providers, regulatory experts, academics, investors, and major pharmaceutical companies to foster open dialogue, share global best practices, and align efforts toward strengthening the generic drug sector in Saudi Arabia.
Bringing together a distinguished group of experts, leaders, regulators, healthcare professionals and pharmaceutical industry leaders, the conference will discuss the latest developments, challenges, and opportunities in the field of generic medicines.
With discussion sessions, interactive dialogues and numerous networking opportunities, the conference opens new horizons to enhance collaboration, innovation, and sustainable growth in the generic medicines sector, supporting improved access to medicines and raising their quality.
The conference agenda is designed to address strategic themes, including national efforts to enhance drug security; investment and regulatory enablers for generic drug manufacturing; pharmaceutical research and development and formulation challenges; pricing, reimbursement, and market access policies; and supply chain resilience and good manufacturing practice compliance, all aimed at strengthening public confidence in generics.
The conference, designed for professionals and stakeholders involved in the development, regulation, manufacturing, and distribution of generic and biosimilar medicines, comes at a pivotal time in Saudi Arabia’s healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors.
With Saudi Vision 2030 driving economic diversification and healthcare transformation, the local pharmaceutical industry is a cornerstone of national drug security, public health sustainability, and economic growth.
