February 03, Colombo (LNW): State Minister of Indigenous Medicine Sisira Jayakody, announced that the Sri Lanka Ayurvedic Drugs Corporation (SLADC) attained its highest profit in years, reaching Rs. 195 million in 2023.
This significant turnaround is attributed to the effective strategies implemented by the new management, marking a notable success for the corporation.
At a press briefing titled ‘Collective Path to a Stable Country’ held at the President Media Centre (PMC), the State Minister highlighted the achievement, stating, “This profit is the highest since 2017,” underscoring the positive impact of the revitalised operations and financial standing under the new leadership.
In commemoration of the 76th National Independence Day, Sri Lanka has initiated a programme to cultivate one million indigenous herbs across the island.
The programme, jointly launched by the State Ministry of Indigenous Medicine, Department of Ayurveda, and Ministry of Public Administration, aims to enhance domestic production of medicinal herbs, reducing dependency on imports.
Commencing on 2nd February and continuing until 7th April, the first phase of the programme focuses on all Grama Niladhari Divisions, ensuring widespread participation.
By promoting domestic cultivation, the initiative aims to establish indigenous medicine as a viable commercial industry, reduce import costs, and strengthen self-reliance in the healthcare sector.
Government-owned vacant lands are repurposed for this initiative, offering government employees an opportunity to cultivate medicinal plants, potentially earning more than their salaries.
The programme contributes to a robust domestic supply chain and aligns with the success story of the Ayurvedic Drugs Corporation, which transformed from losses to a profit of Rs. 195 million in 2023.
Jayakody emphasised the need to enhance the traditional indigenous medicine system to boost revenue in the tourism industry. Integrating indigenous medical systems into tourism offerings can attract tourists seeking holistic wellness experiences, promoting the country’s rich heritage of medicinal plants, healthy cuisine, and traditional treatments.
The Ayurvedic Drugs Corporation’s innovative “Bodymantra” massage system, rooted in Ayurveda wisdom, exemplifies the potential of indigenous medicine.
This unique therapy distinguishes itself by preventing various ailments, positioning Sri Lanka as a leader in integrative healthcare tourism.
State Minister Jayakody emphasised the economic benefits of attracting tourists seeking Ayurvedic treatments, leading to increased foreign exchange influx and contributing to the country’s economic development.
