Hemas Pharmaceuticals, a subsidiary under Hemas Holdings PLC, recently contributed to humanitarian efforts in Myanmar in the wake of a 7.7 magnitude earthquake that caused widespread destruction on the 25th of March 2025 with a donation of essential medicines.
With the handover of a significant stock of essential medicines to the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) completed on the 4th of April, Hemas Pharmaceuticals aimed to supplement the resources being deployed to further humanitarian efforts. At the request made by the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, Hemas Pharmaceuticals supported this initiative of the DMC.
While thanking Hemas Pharmaceuticals and the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, Director General of DMC, Major General Sampath Kotuwegoda (Retd.) ndc IG stated “This timely support highlights the vital role the private sector plays in disaster response. When businesses step forward with resources and expertise, they not only help meet urgent humanitarian needs but also strengthen regional solidarity and resilience. Partnerships like these are essential to ensuring swift, effective relief and long-term recovery for affected communities.”
Recognizing the severity of the disaster and the pressing need survivors and victims have for access to medical assistance and healthcare, Hemas Pharmaceuticals aimed to alleviate challenges healthcare workers may face. The initiative aims to provide fundamental support to the collective efforts of other humanitarian agencies and efforts to help Myanmar’s citizens recover from the disaster.
Discussing the donation, Dr Mahesha Ranasoma, Managing Director, Hemas Pharmaceuticals (Private) Limited said “As a leading brand in the industry, and providing medicine to the nation for 77 years since 1948, we have a responsibility to provide medical aid when the need arises. We’re deeply committed to supporting and safeguarding efforts that seek to provide lifesaving emergency aid. The magnitude of the recent tragedy in Myanmar demands that such assistance be provided. As such, we’re hopeful that our contribution will further the endeavours of humanitarian efforts to help Myanmar find its feet again.”
The decision was made following a preliminary discussion held at the Disaster Management Centre on the 31st of March to establish a means of providing essential humanitarian aid along with the necessary steps to deploy emergency response teams to Myanmar without delay. Chaired by the Director General of the Disaster Management Centre and attended stakeholders from both state and non-governmental sectors including the tri-forces, the discussion focused on coordinating relevant institutions to provide necessary humanitarian aid and dispatch emergency response teams to assist the people affected by the earthquake, as well as to deliver relief services.
