Association of Pharmacy Assistants (apa) was formed in March 2016 in Colombo in order to enhance the Knowledge of Community (Retail) Pharmacy entrepreneurs and employees for better service to the patients. Pharmaceutical Traders Association of Sri Lanka (now known as Lanka Pharmaceuticals Traders Society Ltd) played a major role in establishing apa.
Most of the employees in Pharmacy are experienced, without a proper career path. Their Experience is certified by their employers only. These experienced employees due to the restrictions in the minimum entry qualification for External Pharmacy Examination, are unable to enter the career path of qualifying as Pharmacist
Group of Pharmacists, analyzing these short comings approached the Tertiary Vocational Education Commission ( TVEC ) to establish a National Vocational Qualification ( NVQ ) Certification system through Recognizing Prior Learning ( RPL ) mode.
It was felt that there is a need for a separate Organization consisting of the employees. So the apa was born on 20th March 2016.
apa Membership consists of Entrepreneurs in Retail Pharmacy business and their employees. In term of Membership, both are considered equally.
The SLMC Registered Pharmacists who have contributed to professional development of NVQ Course for Pharmacy Assistants, elected at the any General Meeting to serve as members of Board of Directors.
The association is purely dedicated for Training and development of its membership; No Trade union activities are carried out.