India has requested Sri Lanka to lift the ban imposed on products of some Indian pharmaceutical companies after some of the medicine vials supplied by them were found contaminated with glass and plastic particles.
An Indian pharmaceutical delegation is also expected to visit Sri Lanka shortly to sort out the issue.
The issue came up for discussion when Indian High Commissioner Ashok K Kantha called on Sri Lankan minister of Healthcare and Nutrition Nimal Sripala de Silva here yesterday.
Kantha noted that Indian companies had been the largest suppliers of pharmaceutical products to Sri Lanka and had an established their presence in the market over many years.
Six Indian pharmaceutical companies were asked to give explanations on contaminated vaccine vials early last month after some supplies were found containing glass and plastic particles, according to a report.
Kantha assured the minister that the "concerned Indian companies will cooperate with the Sri Lankan government in all possible ways desired for a satisfactory redressal of alleged lapses" and also suggested the visit of an Indian delegation to discuss the issue.
Kantha said no such complaints on quality and standards of supplies by these companies were noticed earlier.
The visit of the Indian pharmaceutical delegation would be aimed at creating appropriate long term bilateral mechanisms with relevant Sri Lankan authorities.
The Sri Lankan minister welcomed the suggestion of the High Commissioner and agreed to receive the Indian delegation, it said.
During the meeting, the High Commissioner expressed his appreciation for the support extended by the Healthcare and Nutrition Ministry on various projects being implemented by the Government of India in Sri Lanka.
Particular mention was made of the services rendered by a team of Indian doctors who set up an emergency medical unit at Pulmoddai in March 2009, and later in April 2009 at the Menik Farms in Vavuniya to look after the medical needs of the displaced persons.