Two top officials of the company, accompanied by several diplomatic officials, has gone to the ministry and told its secretary Anura Jayawickrama that it could not sell a panadol tablet at Rs. 1.30.

As per the state drug policy, maximum prices have been announced for 48 drugs, including Rs. 1.30 for panadol (paracetamol).

The company has claimed it spent Rs. 1.60 to produce one tablet.

When contacted, Jayawickrama told Sri Lanka Mirror that two GlaxoSmithKline officials and diplomatic officials from France, Germany, UK and EU had come and met him.

He said he pointed out to them that the price could not be amended, and the diplomatic officials accepted his explanation.

The secretary said the president too, has been informed about the incident.

The government says the maximum prices for the 48 drugs would not be amended to the wants of multinational companies.

The two company officials had asked to meet the minister too, but he has refused to give them an appointment.

SLM could not contact the minister for details, as he is abroad.

A well-known economist advising the economic committee of the government is behind this matter, according to reports reaching SLM.