"The Ayurvedic sector in Sri Lanka has a glorious past as a traditional curing and healing method for both physical and mental ailments," Prime Minister D.M. Jayaratne said.
The Prime Minister was speaking at the inauguration of 'Ayurveda Expo 2011' international indigenous healthcare exhibition and symposium at the Sirimavo Bandaranaike Exhibition and Convention Centre yesterday.
 Ayurvedic Expo 2011, an international exhibition, trade fair and conference for the preservation of indigenous medicine was ceremonially inaugurated by President Mahinda Rajapaksa at the BMICH yesterday. Prime Minister D.M. Jayaratne, Indigenous Medicine Minister Salinda Dissanayake, Deputy Minister Pandu Bandaranayaka, Sri Lanka National Chamber of Commerce chairman Ashoka Hettigoda and Sri Lanka Export Development Board chairman Janaka Rathnayaka were also present. Picture by Chandana Perera |
The exhibition and symposium was opened by President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday. It is open to the public till July 17.
The exhibition will show the ayurvedic heritage of the country to the world while making people aware of the latest treatment methods and products.
The exhibition is organized by the National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka and Sri Lanka Export Development Board in association with several ministries, such as, Indigenous Medicine, Economic Development, External affairs and Industry and Commerce.
The Prime Minister said that the origins of Ayurveda go back to over 5,000 years.
"The word 'Ayurveda' in Sanskrit connotes Ayu - life and veda - wisdom. So Ayurveda is wisdom of life. The Ayurveda form of medical treatment for various ailments of the people was very popular in ancient Sri Lanka. Even today Ayurveda plays a significant role," the Prime Minister added.
He pointed out that the Ayurveda medical practice in Sri Lanka flourished as a family tradition during the period of ancient kings. Accordingly, every village had a Ayurveda doctor who was invariably groomed by the head of the family to learn in depth the medical practice of the family from the young.
"As a result of Western influence, the western medical practice superseded the indigenous medical practice. However, Ayurveda practice did not die in the remote villages of the country even during foreign rule. After independence in 1948, Ayurveda practice regained its former status. Ayurveda hospitals with government patronage were established while Ayurveda education was popularized through Ayurveda colleges," Prime Minister Jayaratne said.
He noted that new researches in Ayurveda pursued by enterprising Ayurveda practitioners have yielded good results. Accordingly, new methods of treatment and new Ayurveda medical products have come into the market, attracting not only locals, but also foreigners as well. As a result of this situation, there are increasing numbers of foreigners visiting Sri Lanka to avail themselves of Ayurvedic treatment.
The Ayurvedic exhibition and trade fair will popularize the indigenous medical system among foreign visitors.
In addition, the event would provide a better platform for Ayurveda related professionals, service providers, manufacturers of Ayurveda products, exporters, importers and retailers of different countries to interact with each other and enhance their businesses for their mutual benefit, the Prime Minister noted.
Courtesy:Daily News Srilanka
No comments:
Post a Comment