Page 228 - Traditional Medicine Systems of BIMSTEC Member States – 2023 Report

Best Practice of

Sri Lanka

The practice of Sri Lankan traditional medicine is based on Ancient Sri Lanka
developed its own traditional health care system based on a series of prescriptions

handed down from generation to generation over a period of 3,000 years. The ancient
kings, who were also prominent physicians, sustained their survival and different regions

of the island have their own unique traditions and pedigrees known as “Veda Parampara”
However, despite subtle differences in the varied traditions and various family pedigrees

all traditional systems share the same ancient origins. Sri Lankan rituals, beliefs, skills,
knowledge, and practices have been used in healing through medical practices.

Apart from that one of the best practices in the country is Primary Health care
through Traditional Medicine. The Sri Lankan traditional medical systems remain at the
T raditional Medicine Systems of BIMSTEC Member States – 2023 Report
forefront of the strategy to deal with the present health challenges at both the national
and international levels. Sri Lanka has a well-developed operational structure and primary

health care (PHC) delivery system through TM with a unique concept of community
medical health service.

The traditional medical system through PHC in Sri Lanka concerns the promotion
of humans’ physical, Spiritual, and mental health and social well-being. PHCs are

delivered either free or at a relatively low cost. Communities of the country still believe
that some of the preventive measures perform more successfully by Traditional medicine

than in other systems of medicine practised in the country. There are unique features of
the TM system in Sri Lanka, Primary health care through TM becomes one of the best

practices in the country.

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