Sri Lanka Has Not Invented A Drug To Cure Cancer, Viral Claim Is Misleading

Multiple posts are being widely circulated online claiming that Sri Lanka has invented a medicine to cure cancer, with Tamil captions such as “இலங்கையில் புற்றுநோய் செல்களைக் கொல்லும் மருந்து கண்டுபிடிப்பு” and “இலங்கையில் புற்று நோய் மருந்து கண்டுபிடிப்பு!”

One such TikTok post in Tamil reads, “New anti-cancer drug discovered in Sri Lanka…a new milestone for the University of Colombo.” The video alleges that a research team led by Professor Sameera R. Samarakoon from the Institute of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biotechnology (IBMBB), University of Colombo, discovered the drug after 17 years of research.

Similar claims have also been shared on Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube. The posts can be seen here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, and here.

Evidence

• Recent news items by Virakesari, Ada derana Tamil and Hiru News quoting Prof. Sameera R. Samarakoon report on a locally developed nutraceutical targeting cancer stem cells is expected to earn around USD 2 million in exports by 2027. None of the reports described it as a drug or medicine, only as a nutraceutical or supplement.

• In an interview with Daily Mirror on 6 Oct 2025, Prof. Samarakoon said the product is not new. It was launched three years ago, and new research results brought it renewed attention. He clarified that “It is not a drug, but a nutraceutical developed to help patients live better lives.”

• A University of Colombo article dated 27 Oct 2023 titled “Royalty Transfer with regards to the Partnership between Fadna Life Science & the University of Colombo” confirms that the products Vernolac, Satiny, Ortho Shield, and Bio Shape were launched on 23 Aug 2022 under a licensing agreement with Fadna Life Science. In that article Vernolac is described as a nutraceutical developed for negating cancer stem cells and improving quality of life.

• The product Vernolac is currently sold by Fadna Tea Pvt. Ltd. It is marketed as a herbal supplement to support cancer care, not as a medicine or cure.

• The University of Colombo issued an official disclaimer on its website and Facebook page titled “Misleading Social Media Posts about the University’s Research & Development Activities.” It also has a warning against misleading social media posts and unauthorised use of its name or logo.

• Prof. Samarakoon also clarified on his official Facebook page that the research findings are still under pre-clinical validation, and patients must follow qualified medical advice. He also stated that neither he nor the university supports abandoning standard medical treatments.

• The Sri Lanka College of Oncology and Sri Lanka Association of Oncologists reminded the public through a Facebook post that cancer can only be cured through proven scientific treatments, warning against “miracle cures” with no evidence of safety or efficacy.

Context

The misinformation started after renewed media attention on the University of Colombo’s research. Professor Sameera R. Samarakoon explained that Vernolac is not a new product, it was launched in 2022, and his team has conducted four studies, publishing two recently. And the recent news reports also highlighted that the locally developed nutraceutical targeting cancer stem cells could generate around two million U.S. dollars in export revenue by 2027, which contributed to public misunderstanding.

Verdict

The claim that Sri Lanka has invented a drug to cure cancer is misleading. The University of Colombo developed a nutraceutical supplement, not a medicine or drug, and it has not been proven or approved as a cancer cure. Both the university and relevant medical authorities have publicly denied and clarified the false claims circulating on social media.

FAQs

Q1. Did the University of Colombo invent a drug to cure cancer?
No. The product is a nutraceutical supplement, not a drug or medicine.

Q2. What is Vernolac?
Vernolac is a herbal-based nutraceutical developed to support cancer care and improve patients’ quality of life. It does not cure cancer.

Q3. What did Professor Sameera R. Samarakoon say about the product?
He clarified that it is not a drug, and research is still ongoing. He urged the public to seek medical advice from qualified doctors.

Q4. What has the University of Colombo said about the viral claims?
The university issued a public notice denying the claims and warning against the unauthorised use of its name and logo.

Q5. What do oncologists in Sri Lanka say?
The Sri Lanka Association of Oncologists warned that only scientifically proven cancer treatments are effective and advised the public not to believe in unverified miracle cures.

Our Sources
Prof. Sameera R. Samarakoon’s interview on Daily Mirror YouTube channel, 3 Oct 2025.
News article on Virakesari, published on 6 Oct 2025.
News article on Ada Derana Tamil, published on 3 Oct 2025.
News article on Hiru News, published on 3 Oct 2025.
News article on Daily Mirror, published on 6 Oct 2025.
Article on Colombo University website, published on 27 Oct 2023.
Vernolac product description on Fadna Tea Pvt. Ltd website.
Facebook post on official University of Colombo page, posted on 5 Oct 2025.
Disclaimer on University of Colombo website, posted 10 Oct 2025.
Facebook post by University of Colombo, posted on 9 Oct 2025.
Facebook post by Prof. Samarakoon, posted on 8 Oct 2025.
Facebook post by Sri Lanka College of Oncologists, posted on 6 Oct 2025.
Research about Vernolac, posted on 19 July 2025.