In 1972, Ceylon became a republic, fully independent from the British monarchy. A new constitution was established and the country was named Sri Lanka. This era of radical change gave rise to a generation of bold Sri Lankan entrepreneurs. Farnell Ceylon was one such example of a pioneering Sri Lankan company which set out to change a landscape hitherto dominated by large pharmaceutical multinationals. The Company's first appointment was made in 1979 by BYK Gulden of Germany as its sole representative in Sri Lanka and the Maldives.