COLOMBO, Sri Lanka, November 2021: Flexicare Lanka – a fully owned subsidiary of Flexicare Group, U.K. – recently inaugurated its state-of-the-art modern manufacturing facility in Bandaragama which is expected to revolutionise medical products manufacturing in Sri Lanka. With a total investment of over USD 15 million, the new innovative medical devices manufacturing plant begins its first phase of operations in the country with a current workforce of 150 employees.
The Grand Opening Ceremony at Bandaragama commenced with the traditional Sri Lankan welcome of Kandyan dancers moving to the beat of ceremonial drums as the esteemed guests were guided in procession to the main lobby. The Flexicare manufacturing plant was officially inaugurated and symbolically declared open as the Chief Guest – Basil Rajapakse, Finance Minister of The Democratic Socialists Republic of Sri Lanka performed the honours of cutting the ribbon and kickstarting the event.
The inaugural event was also graced by the presence of Guests of Honour Sara Hulton – British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka and Keheliya Rambukwella – Minister of Health and Indigenous Medicine, Special Guest and Former Minister of Health Dr Rajitha Senarathna, The Board of Directors of Flexicare Lanka, distinguished media, and several other honourable invitees. Following an enthralling cultural entertainment performance by the Channa Upuli dance ensemble, the esteemed guests were taken through a virtual tour of the factory and later, on an exclusive inspection tour of the facility.
Addressing the gathering at the event, Chief Guest Basil Rajapakse stated: “I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to Flexicare – a globally recognised medical device manufacturer – for choosing to invest in Sri Lanka especially amidst a global pandemic. It brings us immense joy and pride to witness Flexicare’s life-sustaining and lifesaving products being manufactured in our very own country and going on to make a significant impact on people’s lives on a global scale.”
Furthermore, Keheliya Rambukwella – Minister of Health and Indigenous Medicine stated: “This is the first time in the history of the country that such a futuristic facility has been established with a vision to export and cater to the healthcare industry in Sri Lanka. We’re extremely proud to have a manufacturing plant of international recognition and have absolute confidence that Flexicare will revolutionise and elevate the Sri Lankan healthcare sector. Flexicare’s investment goes a long way in terms of employment opportunities, development of local resources, foreign exchange and the nation’s overall economic health. We sincerely look forward to many more such investments, particularly in the health sector, and assure that Sri Lanka will give the best possible background for the same.”
Speaking on behalf of Flexicare and concluding the Grand Opening Ceremony, Hash Poormand – Managing Director of Flexicare Group stated: “Immense perseverance, dedication and hard work have led us here as we bring to life the promise of true equity, inclusion and development by unlocking the potential of everything that this beautiful island nation has to offer. The positive catalytic effect of Flexicare has already resulted in the employment of 150 Sri Lankans and is soon expected to grow into a workforce of 600 employees within the first phase of the project itself. Our commitment is to invest in the training and socio-economic development of Sri Lanka’s homegrown medical engineers, which we believe will have a tremendous ripple effect throughout the country.”
Flexicare’s New Innovative Medical Devices Manufacturing Facility at Bandaragama began construction in 2019 and is now fully operational with 90% of the production intended for exports. Flexicare is expected to ramp up the workforce to 600 employees in the first phase with a second expansion in due course.