The University Business Linkage Cell (USJ Tech Transfer) of Sri Jayewardenepura University has made a giant stride towards research commercialization by commercializing its first research-based invention in its history, by transferring the technology through an exclusive license agreement to the industry. The product itself is a revolutionary ayurvedic medicine which will serve to improve the health and wellbeing of citizens across the country. It marks a great step forward in commercialization of research and is the first of its kind for the USJ.
The pioneering collaboration between researchers from the Institute of Indigenous Medicine, University of Colombo (UoC) and Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura (USJ), who worked tirelessly on the invention of “Sudarshana Suspension” for several years, ensuring the medicine met and exceeded all drug safety and efficacy standards.
The research Team members are Dr. Saroja Weerakoon (University of Colombo), Dr. Kamal Perera (University of Colombo), Prof. Sugandhika Suresh (USJ), Prof. Dulanie Gunasekera (USJ).
This product is a well-established drug in Ayurveda medicinal system practiced in Sri Lanka since ancient times. The novel drug named, Sudarshana Suspension (SS) has been formulated with pure Sri Lankan bee honey as the base and authentic 53 ayurvedic herbs to enhance the quality, safety, and efficacy of the traditional powdered form of the drug.
In a landmark partnership with Beam Hela Osu Lanka (Pvt) Ltd, the front running company in the field of ayurvedic and herbal drug manufacturing and distribution in Sri Lanka for more than 35 years, the drug will be brought to market and soon be available for use by the general public. The USJ Tech Transfer office (UBL Cell) facilitated the transition to market represents the first of its kind for both parties.
Sudharshana Suspension is indicated for the symptomatic treatment of viral fever, phlegm, allergic rhinitis, bronchitis, inflammatory arthritis, pain and allergic skin conditions. It provides potent antioxidant protection and is hepato-protective. This is an immune booster against viruses and bacteria related diseases.
The product launch of “Sudarshana Suspension” held on Tuesday 30th March 2021 in the evening at the Senate Board Room of The University of Sri Jayewardenepura. The event was graced by Hon Prof. Channa Jayasumana, State Minister of Production, Supply and Regulation of Pharmaceuticals and Hon Sisira Jayakodi, State Minister of Indigenous Medicine Promotion, Rural and Ayurveda Hospitals Development and Community Health with the participation of other honorable guests, Senior Prof. Sampath Amaratunge the Chairman of the University Grant Commission, Senior Prof. Sudantha Liyanage the Vice Chancellor, USJ, Prof. Chandrika N Wijeyaratne the Vice Chancellor of the University of Colombo, Dr. Priyan Perera the Director of University Business Linkage Cell, USJ, Dr. Nishantha Sampath Punchihewa the Director of University Business Linkage Cell, UOC, Prof. Priyani A. Paranagama the Director of Institute of Indigenous Medicine, UOC.

The Vice-Chancellor: Snr Prof. Sudantha Liyanage appreciated the hard work of the research team and highlighted the need for commercializing research; “It’s fantastic to see the hard and diligent work of the university researchers in not only creating a product that benefits society but collaborating with the UBL and the private sector to bring this wonderful product to market. We hope it represents the start of a fruitful relationship and will serve as an inspiration to other universities and researchers to take their own inventions out into national and international markets.”

UBL Cell Director Dr. Priyan Perera was equally positive about the launch, saying “To go from the research stage to actual commercialization is a great milestone for the UBL, we couldn’t be more delighted with our first successful commercialization partnership which has helped to launch this product and we’re hoping it’s the first of many more revolutionary products that we can bring to the market”
Traditional medicines play a significant role in health care globally but have an even more special place in Sri Lankan society, due to their availability and affordability. Traditional medicines of our country provide greater health benefits to the vast majority of residents and this new medicine will contribute greatly to individual and community health around the country. It is used traditionally as an antimalarial, antipyretic, and antiviral formulation. And also many ingredients present in this drug have scientifically proven anti-viral effects.
The launch of “Sudarshana Suspension” represents another step forward in the direction of commercializing new products and inventions by the University of Sri Jayewardenepura and the UBL. It is hoped that this successful operation will be a launching stimulus for other academics to bring cutting edge technologies to the market.