Page 98 - Traditional Medicine Systems of BIMSTEC Member States – 2023 Report

Ayurveda
Medical
System
Unani Sri Lankan Siddha
Medical TM Medical
System Systems System

Desheeya
Chikitsa

Figure 2: Traditional Medical Systems in Sri Lanka.

2. Country Policy on Traditional Medicine

2.1 Provisions of Health Care in the 1978 Constitution

Following the 13th amendment to the constitution, health became a partially
devolved subject, and the primary and secondary levels of curative care and preventive

services came under the nine Provincial Ministries. A major amendment in 1987
decentralised power to nine elected provincial councils.

2.2 National Health Policy
At first, the health Policy was prepared in 1996 and, now; after 20 years it has

to be replaced with an updated policy. There are many reasons justifying the preparation
of a new health policy, such as the following - health issues that were not addressed

with the present health policy, have to be tackled with new and different strategies.
Newly emerging health issues have to be addressed with a new health policy that is

needed; to reduce inequity, improve quality, and develop a health system that can respond
to the needs and expectations of the new generation. Hence, Sri Lanka has a national

health policy for 2016-2025.

2.3 National Traditional Medicine Policy

The enactment of the Ayurveda Act no 31 of 1961 can be considered a key
milestone of the legislative framework of the traditional medical system in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka
(then Ceylon), which laid the foundation for the present administrative structure,
governance, regulation, and development in the sector. Even though Ayurveda Act

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