Unical (Ceylon) Limited | About Us - Unical (Ceylon) Limited

About Unical

Trusted Hands

In Healthcare

The story of Unical begins not with grandeur, but with a quiet determination. In 1948, in a compact office tucked within Colombo's John & Co. building, Mr. Douglas L.C. de Silva established Union Traders. His vision was clear: to introduce forward-thinking products to the Sri Lankan market with credibility and dedication.

Over the years, Union Traders became a reliable conduit for British and European companies. Their early partnerships brought respected brands such as Napisan, S7, and Hazeline Snow into local homes and clinics. With each collaboration, the company nurtured a reputation for reliability and innovation, long before these became industry buzzwords.

New possibilities emerged as Union Traders stepped into the veterinary sector, expanding its presence and purpose. By securing the rights to represent leading global players like Cooper Mcdougall and Robertson UK, and BP Nutrition UK. The company steadily built a multi-faceted foundation, one that would later support something more enduring. The story of Unical begins not with grandeur, but with a quiet determination. In 1948, in a compact office tucked within Colombo's John & Co. building, Mr. Douglas L.C. de Silva established Union Traders. His vision was clear: to introduce forward-thinking products to the Sri Lankan market with credibility and dedication.

Over the years, Union Traders became a reliable conduit for British and European companies. Their early partnerships brought respected brands such as Napisan, S7, and Hazeline Snow into local homes and clinics. With each collaboration, the company nurtured a reputation for reliability and innovation, long before these became industry buzzwords.

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In 1964, recognising the long-term potential of local production, Mr. de Silva helped establish a joint venture with Calmic Ltd of the UK. Thus, Unical (Ceylon) Ltd was born, not as a corporate offshoot, but as a homegrown initiative designed to produce high-quality oral and topical formulations for the Sri Lankan market. This collaboration marked the beginning of a more ambitious chapter.

Unical’s earliest identity was shaped by the strength of its partnerships. Its name and purpose were rooted in the synergy between Union Traders and Calmic. The company’s product portfolio included globally recognised brands such as Cicatrin and Calpol, products that built confidence and laid the groundwork for future resilience.

Even during the economically turbulent decades of the 1960s and 1970s, Unical chose consolidation over contraction, recalibrating its operations rather than retreating. The focus on long-term joint venture stability demonstrated the company’s resilience at a time when many others scaled back or exited the market. Subsequently, the exit of The Wellcome Foundation in 1985, which could have marked a downturn, instead became a turning point—paving the way for a strategic partnership with the US-based SmithKline Beckman. This move not only ensured technical continuity but also expanded Unical’s growth horizon.

Unical has since embraced its evolution from licensed producer to independent player. Today, it operates with the focus of a specialist, committed to producing reliable oral solid dose products. The company’s renewed energy reflects its intention to serve essential drug needs while maintaining flexibility and precision in production.

Ethics, transparency, and a strong sense of collective purpose continue to define Unical’s working culture. Every relationship, whether with clients, employees, or partners, is built on mutual respect and shared responsibility. The legacy of Mr. de Silva isn’t just remembered, it is reflected in everyday decisions and long-term strategies.

Since its inception, the principles of business integrity and fair play have been at the cornerstone of Mr. Douglas L.C. de Silva’s leadership style. The company has stayed true to its founder’s vision by maintaining ethical business practices, emphasizing product quality and ensuring customer satisfaction, while also fostering a connected culture where every employee is valued, accepted, and has a strong sense of belonging.

With a distinctive history and a deeply held belief in progress without excess, Unical is prepared to chart its next chapter. Guided by its roots yet unbound by them, the company looks to expand thoughtfully, respond to shifting health landscapes, and deliver value that is both enduring and meaningful. In 1964, recognising the long-term potential of local production, Mr. de Silva helped establish a joint venture with Calmic Ltd of the UK. Thus, Unical (Ceylon) Ltd was born, not as a corporate offshoot, but as a homegrown initiative designed to produce high-quality oral and topical formulations for the Sri Lankan market. This collaboration marked the beginning of a more ambitious chapter.

Unical’s earliest identity was shaped by the strength of its partnerships. Its name and purpose were rooted in the synergy between Union Traders and Calmic. The company’s product portfolio included globally recognised brands such as Cicatrin and Calpol, products that built confidence and laid the groundwork for future resilience.

Even during the economically turbulent decades of the 1960s and 1970s, Unical chose consolidation over contraction, recalibrating its operations rather than retreating. The focus on long-term joint venture stability demonstrated the company’s resilience at a time when many others scaled back or exited the market. Subsequently, the exit of The Wellcome Foundation in 1985, which could have marked a downturn, instead became a turning point—paving the way for a strategic partnership with the US-based SmithKline Beckman. This move not only ensured technical continuity but also expanded Unical’s growth horizon.

Unical has since embraced its evolution from licensed producer to independent player. Today, it operates with the focus of a specialist, committed to producing reliable oral solid dose products. The company’s renewed energy reflects its intention to serve essential drug needs while maintaining flexibility and precision in production.

Ethics, transparency, and a strong sense of collective purpose continue to define Unical’s working culture. Every relationship, whether with clients, employees, or partners, is built on mutual respect and shared responsibility. The legacy of Mr. de Silva isn’t just remembered, it is reflected in everyday decisions and long-term strategies.

Since its inception, the principles of business integrity and fair play have been at the cornerstone of Mr. Douglas L.C. de Silva’s leadership style. The company has stayed true to its founder’s vision by maintaining ethical business practices, emphasizing product quality and ensuring customer satisfaction, while also fostering a connected culture where every employee is valued, accepted, and has a strong sense of belonging.

With a distinctive history and a deeply held belief in progress without excess, Unical is prepared to chart its next chapter. Guided by its roots yet unbound by them, the company looks to expand thoughtfully, respond to shifting health landscapes, and deliver value that is both enduring and meaningful.

Our History

Legacy Held

in Family Since 1948

The founding of Unical (Ceylon) Limited in 1964 marked a deliberate shift from distribution to local production. Born out of a collaborative vision between Union Traders and Calmic Limited, this transition laid the groundwork for a homegrown enterprise built on technical strength and local relevance.

The name “Unical” itself reflects a union of heritage and progress: “UNI” for Union Traders and “CAL” for Calmic Ltd., the UK-based joint venture partner. This blend of local roots and international expertise continues to shape the company’s outlook and identity to this day.

Cicatrin and Calpol, licensed from Calmic, quickly became household names under Unical’s stewardship. Their success wasn’t merely commercial; it built public confidence and demonstrated the potential for consistent, high-quality production within Sri Lanka’s borders.

Recognizing the need for reinvention in the 1980s, Unical underwent a strategic pivot. The company transitioned from traditional licensing models to contract production and private partnerships, reaffirming its commitment to adaptability in a changing industrial climate.

Contract work for international brands such as Sunquick and Panadol enabled Unical to support broader product development goals while simultaneously sharpening its internal capabilities. This strategic approach blended service with self-development.

As the industry evolved, so did Unical’s ambitions. The company gradually shifted focus toward creating a more diverse and locally attuned product portfolio, extending its impact across new therapeutic areas and market segments.

Today, Unical holds a pioneering role in veterinary products, becoming the first local manufacturer in Sri Lanka to receive VDCA approval for small animal pharmaceuticals. Its veterinary range stands as a testament to innovation rooted in practical insight and domain experience.

With segmental leadership in animal health, Unical’s “own label” veterinary products reflect more than market share. They represent a commitment to meeting regional needs through in-house development and specialized formulation expertise.

Understanding the importance of staying globally relevant, Unical now seeks to forge international alliances that strengthen its research base and expand product value. These partnerships aim to balance global science with local understanding.

As it continues to evolve, Unical remains focused on creating value that lasts. Guided by heritage yet future-focused, the company is building a legacy not just of longevity, but of continuous purpose, thoughtful reinvention, and quiet leadership in a competitive industry.

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