NMRA denies medicinal drug importation allegations 

•  Says it has no legal power to import or purchase drugs as claimed 
•  Stresses that such allegations are false and misleading 
•  Explains it merely registers drugs and grants permission to import unregistered drugs on occasion 

The National Medicinal Regulatory Authority (NMRA) issued a statement yesterday denying it imports medicinal drugs to Sri Lanka as alleged in various reports recently. 

“Statements claiming the NMRA imports medicinal drugs to Sri Lanka are false and misleading. As per the National Medicines Regulatory Authority Act, No. 5 of 2015 the NMRA has no legal authority to import or purchase medicinal drugs,” the organisation said. 

The NMRA has refuted any involvement in the medical drug procurement process in Sri Lanka, stating that it has not provided any direct intervention, contribution, or advisory input to the process. “The process is overseen by the appropriate Government or private entities. If the Government handles the importation of drugs, it is emphasised that this is carried out in accordance with rigorous tender protocols,” NMRA emphasised.  In clarifying its responsibilities, the agency highlighted that in accordance with the Act, it is responsible for registering medicinal drugs that are imported to Sri Lanka. 

Additionally, the agency said it grants necessary permissions for the import of unregistered drugs in exceptional circumstances on an occasional basis based on requests made by the Ministry of Health or those recommended by the Ministry. 

The NMRA also clarified that it possesses the authority to conduct investigations into drugs imported to Sri Lanka in the event of any issues arising through their use.