International Ayurveda 2013 Expo ends on high note
Tuesday, 23 July 2013 00:55
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By Shabiya Ali Ahlam
The International Ayurveda 2013 Expo, organised by the National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka (NCCSL), ended recently, surpassing the expected outcomes according to Chamber officials.
The three day exhibition which was held last week at the BMICH under the theme ‘Wellness, Lifestyle, and Healing’ was elevated to a better level in every aspect in comparison to the series of Ayurveda exhibitions held so far, the NCCSL said.
The International Ayurveda 2013 Expo was attended by over 150 foreign delegates from Japan, Nigeria, Thailand, Germany, South Africa, India, Pakistan and China, whereas the previous exhibition held in 2011 had a few over 100 visiting delegates.
The International Ayurveda Expo will be held again in 2015, NCCSL Senior Deputy President Thilak Godamanna assured when speaking to the Daily FT, adding that the delegates had expressed to the chamber their wish to participate at the next in a bigger manner.
The exhibition had served as a platform for foreign and local companies to interact and Godamanna noted that orders had already been placed by visiting representatives from India and Thailand.
“The exhibition has helped increase awareness in international markets that there is a strong indigenous medicine system in Sri Lanka. Having organised events under this theme since 2007, the NCCSL is proud to a pillar of support to the Ayurveda industry,” expressed Godamanna.
He observed that all the 120 stalls at the exhibition had “enough business” as the event attracted over 30,000 visitors. The number of visitors excludes, doctors, university students, international delegates and children under the age of 12. These groups were allowed the exhibition for free.
“This shows that the awareness and interest in the nation’s traditional medicine system is improving,” said Godamanna.
Meanwhile, a symposium where research findings were presented was also held at the second day of the exhibition at the BMICH. With over 260 participants, 17 papers were presented by both foreign and local experts in the field of traditional medicine.
The research was presented under four sections, which were: Ayurvedic and traditional medical practices in the management of lifestyle generated disorders, Ancient wisdom and current research, Ancient wisdom and current issues relating to precious medicinal plants of Sri Lanka and Ancient wisdom and modern applications.
