Ayurveda to get boost at exhibition next year

By Sunimalee Dias

The government has taken the initiative to promote native treatment in a bid to increase foreign exchange to the country.

By engaging the private sector and the government establishments there is a concerted effort to promote Ayurvedic treatment internationally and one of the main methods is through the exhibition to be conducted next year titled “Ayurveda Expo 2011 : Yoga, Meditation, Food and Wellness”.

Increased foreign exchange could be derived through the promotion and use of native treatment and distribution of Ayurvedic herbal products and medicine, Indigenous Medicine Minister Piyasena Gamage said yesterday at the launch of the exhibition.

He noted that the government is actively involved to create a healthy population and promote native treatment within the country as well.

It was pointed out that with an influx of tourists to Sri Lanka there were a number of these who were interested in this form of treatment and medication.

However, the illegal form of carrying out Ayurvedic treatment especially on tourists has also been revealed highlighting the popularity of this product in the market.

The Ayurveda exhibition scheduled to be held from 15-17 July, 2011 will be held with the objective of showcasing a new lifestyle and increase awareness of the product both locally and internationally.

The exhibition is being held for the third time and will be taken to the world through the support of the government and the assistance of the private sector.

Conducted by the National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka (NCCSL) it is being jointly organised by Sri Lanka Tourism, the Export Development Board (EDB) and the Ministries of Indigenous Medicine, Economic Development, Industry and Commerce and External Affairs and the Gem and Jewellery Authority. SriLankan Airlines is also teaming up to provide increased assistance for the upcoming exhibition.

Sri Lanka Tourism Chairman Dr. Nalaka Godahewa addressing the occasion observed that it was important to boost Ayurveda tourism in the country as one of the vast varieties on offer for the discerning traveller to the island nation.

As part of next year’s promotion of tourism through “Visit Sri Lanka 2011” the industry is looking at propagating this event in a bid to attract more tourists to the country.