Sri Lanka to Establish First Cosmetic Product Testing Laboratory by 2027

Sri Lanka has taken a major step towards advancing its cosmetics industry with the launch of the country’s first Human Repeat Insult Patch Test (HRIPT) laboratory, aimed at ensuring product safety and reducing reliance on foreign testing facilities.

The foundation stone for Sri Lanka’s first-ever Human Repeat Insult Patch Test (HRIPT) laboratory, a facility dedicated to cosmetic product testing, was ceremonially laid today under the patronage of Minister of Industries and Enterprise Development, Sunil Handunneththi.

The landmark project is a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Industries and Enterprise Development, the Industrial Development Board (IDB), and the Institute of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (IBMBB) of the University of Colombo.

Set to be completed by the end of 2027, the new laboratory will be built at a total cost of Rs. 27.383 million, with Rs. 24.383 million funded by the Ministry and Rs. 3 million contributed by the IBMBB.

Currently, Sri Lanka has no dedicated HRIPT facility, compelling local cosmetic producers and exporters to depend on foreign laboratories for product certification. Officials emphasized that the establishment of this lab will significantly cut testing costs, reduce logistical barriers, and enhance the global competitiveness of the country’s growing cosmetics sector.