Sri Lankan traditional medicine

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Sri Lanka developed its own ayurvedic system based on a prescriptions handed down from generation to generation over 3,000 years. The ancient kings, who were also prominent physicians, sustained its survival and longevity. King Buddhadasa (398 AD), the most influential of these physicians, wrote the obtain the permit prior to start treatments for the patients or prior to starting making medicines according to the ancient traditions.

Ancient inscriptions on rock surfaces reveal that organized medical services existed within the country for centuries. In fact, Sri Lanka claims to be the first country in the world to have established dedicated

Ayurvedic physicians had historically benefited from royal patronage which in turn endowed them with prestige. From this legacy stems a well-known Sri Lankan saying: "If you can not be a king, become a healer." Traditional medicine had largely died out in Sri Lanka with the advent and ravages of European colonialism and the growth in popularity of prescription drugs. In recent years, however, increasing numbers of tourists have been seeking out alternative remedies such as panchakarma.^[4] In addition to Buddhism and other things which have become objects of nationalism, āyurveda continues to influence politics and discourse in Sri Lanka.

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