Kalana Gamani Kodituwakku Hewamallika is looked upon in the pharmaceutical industry as a ‘Ground Breaker’, engaged in introducing advanced technology for the formulation and manufacture of pharmaceuticals and development of the industry in Sri Lanka. He is an entrepreneur who has made a success of an ongoing business of manufacturing & marketing of pharmaceuticals. In 1996, Kalana entered the local pharmaceutical industry by joining his father, at Interpharm. Kalana succeeded his father as Chairman / Managing Director of Interpharm in February, 2008 and has since then led and built Interpharm to its current reputed status, as a leader in the industry.

Kalana was born on 7th April 1970 to Mr. Gamani Kodituwakku Hewamallika and Mrs. Sripali Hemalatha Kodituwakku Hewamallika. He completed his secondary education at Trinity College, Kandy and obtained his Bachelor of Business Economics from Brock University, Ontario, Canada. Kalana, talked about his background that engineered him to be an entrepreneur and desire to be as his father. “I’m pretty sure “entrepreneur” was one of the first words I knew how to spell. I simply can’t remember, not wanting to be an entrepreneur, a desire ignited by my father. It was ‘Entrepreneurs imprinting’. As a kid I spent my childhood by observing the activities of my Father a successful entrepreneur and a joyful workaholic. He had a contagious love for his work even when times were tough, and I followed suit to meet the business challenges and gear Interpharm to gain recognition as an outstanding company in the Industry”.

Incorporated in December 1990, Interpharm was recognized as a pioneering industry to grow the manufacture of pharmaceuticals. From commencement of commercial operations (1995), its products consisting of 27 brands have been formulated and are being manufactured at its facility in Pilyandala. These brands have been made available through an Island wide Distributor Network, with extensive coverage including the war torn areas, to serve the communities at all levels, as aligned to its vision ‘Seeking excellence in contributing towards Quality Healthcare for all’. It is a leader amongst Local Manufacturers, for supply of drugs to Government Hospitals under the historic “Public – Private Partnership” scheme. Our drugs have not caused concern through complaints. Manufacture of Pellets for encapsulation another “first”, as the exclusive Cephalosporin Plant, & development of exports which are underway, having entered into partnerships with leading pharmaceutical distributors in Maldives Island and Myanmar, are achievements of the company. Attractive rise in top and bottom lines, effective CSR Projects and Investments to enable expansion in manufacturing, are accomplishments. Interpharm has excelled by marketing affordable, quality drugs of International Standards, manufactured, in compliance with World Health Organization Guidelines. Such drugs are manufactured using High-Tech Machinery, and State of the Art Laboratory Equipment in a modern model laboratory and the services of a workforce exceeding 185, which is professionally enriched, through continued knowledge dissemination, recognition of performance capabilities and a friendly work environment. Its vision, complemented by the corporate values of Quality, Valued People, Revere Society, Integrity, Loyalty and Appreciation, inwardly endorses the wellbeing of each employee.

As Chairman of the company, Kalana has been spearheading Interpharm to secure awards, which are rewards, translating its performance under his effective leadership.

Kalana as a people’s man advocates CSR projects. Interpharm has conducted medical & health camps, distributed medical products in order to benefit charitable events, donated relevant equipment to the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC ) on several occasions to prevent Dengue disaster, donated wheel chairs to the differently challenged, conducted alms givings at Charitable Institutions and the Cancer hospital, rebuilt a Junior School at Matara, which was affected by recent floods, provided drinking water and toilet facilities for a School in Plonnaruwa and shelter for displaced families.