Abstract:
The indigenous system is very popular in the Asian countries such as China, Nepal,
India, Sri Lanka etc and it has a long history. In Sri Lanka, it is believed that an
advanced system of healing existed during the legendry Ravana period which has laid
down historical records since Aryan periods. But, the real practices were firmly rooted
with the introduction of Buddhism-third century B.C. King Buddhadasa (398-426
A.D.) was an outstanding physician and a surgeon at that time. During the
Polonnaruwa period, the traditional system of medicine reached new era under King
Parakramabahu-I (1153 -1186 A.D.). During the Dambadeniya period, the indigenous
system of medicines prospered specially in the hands of Buddhist monks, since
Buddhism recognises the treatment of the sick and the wounded as a virtue. With the
introduction of western medicine, the traditional system of medicine was drastically
declined to its lowest ebb. However, treatment of skeletal fractures, eye diseases, boils
and carbuncles, snake bites and mental diseases remained under the preservation of a
few dedicated medical men (Vedamahaththayas) who passed down these practices
from generation to generation. General public still have a bearing, dependence and
reliance on Ayurveda traditional medicine system. The Sinhala society consults a
physician and offers to him a sheaf of betel leaves, sometimes with a small present.
Since his profession is one of prestigious and honourable, they have been greatly
respected by the society. Therefore, the profession is passed down the family line as a
legacy. After independence in 1948, when ethnic cultures staged a come-back, there
was naturally renaissance in Ayurvedic medicinal practice. Once more the state
elevated it to the level of Alternative Medicine, re-established hospitals and clinics in
every province of the island. Further, the training institutes were established and
upgrade the village physician as an approved professional
