President Ranil Wickremesinghe has pledged to promote traditional Sri Lankan medicine worldwide, aiming to generate much-needed foreign currency for the country. Speaking at a meeting with local traditional medical practitioners, Wickremesinghe emphasized that the first step toward global promotion is conducting thorough research.
“It is crucial to research the origins of our local medical traditions and systems and to establish their scientific basis. We can only promote these practices internationally if we prove their scientific validity,” the President said.
Drawing parallels with India’s efforts to promote its traditional medicine, Wickremesinghe noted, “India has launched a program to promote its traditional medicinal systems and has also invested in research. We must follow a similar path.”
Wickremesinghe proposed initiating dialogue with Sri Lankan indigenous medical practitioners to address their needs, suggesting the establishment of a dedicated medical council to oversee and promote traditional medical systems.
He also stressed the importance of integrating traditional medicine with tourism, citing examples from countries like Thailand. “Indigenous medicine and tourism should go hand in hand. Sri Lanka must learn from countries like Thailand in developing hotel spas. A simple spa in a single hotel room is not enough; it’s essential to keep up with global health tourism trends,” he added.
The President concluded by likening his leadership to that of a traditional healer, stating, “I have revived Sri Lanka just like a ‘Weda Mahatheya’ (traditional doctor). Some politicians claim they have different treatments to develop the nation, but now is not the time to experiment with other remedies. Sri Lanka would regress if we try unproven treatments.”
