A total of 68 Members of Parliament (MPs) voted in favour of the bill while only independent MP Ajith Kumara voted against.

The Bill will provide for the establishment of a regulatory authority to be known as the National Medicines Regulatory Authority.

The Authority will be responsible for the regulation and control of, Registration, Licensing, Manufacture, Importation, and all other aspects pertaining to medicines, medical devices and borderline products.

The National Medicines Regulatory Authority will also be responsible for conducting clinical trials in a manner compatible with the National Medicines Policy.

With the introduction of the National Drug Policy, pharmaceutical drugs will be available in their generic name and the prices will be reduced significantly.