NCCSL launches Ayurveda-Expo 2013

By Rashika Fazali

To boost the use of ayurvedic medicine in the country, the National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka (NCCSL) together with the Ministry of Indigenous Medicine and other government organisations, will hold ‘Ayurveda-Expo 2013’, the international indigenous healthcare exhibition for the fourth time from 12 to 14 July.

Minster of Indigenous Medicine Salida Dissanayake (centre) answers a question posed by the media. Ayurveda-Expo 2013 Consultant Danister L. Perera (left), Ayurveda-Expo 2013 Steering Committee Chairman Thilak Godamanna, NCCSL President Sunil G. Wijesingha, Secretary of Ministry of Indigenous Medicine Lalith Kannangara and NCCSL CEO and Secretary General E.M. Wijetilleke (right) were also present

This year’s ayurvedic exhibition will be under the theme ‘Wellness, Lifestyle and Healing’ and it will exhibit Sri Lanka’s capabilities in treating various illnesses, both communicable and non-communicable, through indigenous medicine, research findings in the sector, indigenous medical products manufactured in Sri Lanka, indigenous healthcare education facilities and Sri Lanka’s potential as an indigenous healthcare tourist destination.

In addition, this exhibition aims at promoting local products locally and internationally as well as to provide a platform for both local and international organisations to meet and discuss indigenous medicine. Ayurveda-Expo 2013 Steering Committee Chairman Thilak Godamanna stated that they are hoping for an international participation of seven to eight countries for this exhibition.

Commenting on the exhibition, NCCSL President Sunil G Wijesingha said: “NCCSL wants to popularise this. There is a huge demand, awareness and interest in indigenous medicines. I think it’s an appropriate time to conduct this exhibition.”

Chief Guest and Minster of Indigenous Medicine Salida Dissanayake in his speech stated that they are hoping to make this year’s exhibition more successful and of an international standard. He further noted that even though Sri Lanka has more knowledge and expertise than India, India has come forward a lot more in ayurvedic medicine. He stated that in order for Sri Lanka to reach international standards, more steps should be taken to boost the use of ayurvedic medicine in Sri Lanka.

Minster of Indigenous Medicine Salida Dissanayake (centre) launches the Ayurveda-Expo 2013 website along with Ayurveda-Expo 2013 Steering Committee Chairman Thilak Godamanna (left) and NCCSL President Sunil G. Wijesingha (right)

In conclusion, he stated that Sri Lanka needs to produce high quality ayurvedic medicine which in terms will help the country.

Also speaking at the launch held at Hilton Residences, Ayurveda- Expo 2013 Consultant Danister L. Perera stated that there is a strong need to have such an exhibition since ‘Ayurveda-Expo 2011’ became a turning point in the tourism industry. He stated that as much as ayurvedic medicine is important to the body, the need for such medicine should be boosted in the country.

To support his statement, Perera mentioned that Camilla Parker-Bowles once checked into an Indian ayurvedic centre for US$ 5,500 a night to cure her problem of sinusitis. He also revealed a shocking statistic in relation to the household’s out-of-pocket (OOP) expenses on health in Sri Lanka which has increased from Rs. 5.2 billion in 1990 to Rs. 76.1 million in 2009.

For this very reason, there will also be a public seminar which will create awareness on healthy lifestyles and wellness as well as the expertise available in the country. The public will have an opportunity to raise their health related issues and issues pertaining to the development of the sector at the seminar.

Organisations involved in ayurveda medicine, wellness healing, lifestyle, nature friendly healthy foods, acupuncture, yoga, meditation, homeopathy and beauty care products are expected to participate at this exhibition.

       Pix by Upul Abayasekara