Health and Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa pointed out that the Government is spending more than 40 times the annual budget allocated to the indigenous Ayurvedic medical sector on treating diseases caused by unhealthy dietary habits.

The minister made this revelation during a recent visit to the ‘Research and Propagation Service Herbal Garden’ in Janasavigama, Pallekele, Kandy, which has been established under the National Medicinal Plant Cultivation Project and the Herbal Collection Programme of the Ayurveda Department.

Minister Jayatissa also emphasised that diseases resulting from poor dietary habits have become an unbearable burden on the country. He highlighted that while significant funds are spent on medical treatments, the government is compelled to spend an amount exceeding 40 times the Ayurveda budget annually to treat such illnesses.

He also noted that Ayurveda is not solely about treatments but also prioritises diet as a crucial aspect of health. He stressed that merely spending money on medicine and treatment without preventive measures is ineffective. Considering these issues, he proposed launching a three-year national nutrition programme in collaboration with all relevant sectors.

Under the guidance of the Health Minister, a National Medicinal Plant Cultivation Project and a Herbal Collection Programme have already been initiated to strengthen the production network of Ayurvedic medicines. These initiatives are planned for implementation over the next five years, with the first phase already underway.

The Ayurveda Department manages seven research herbal gardens, located in Giradurukotte, Pallekele, Haldummulla, Pinnaduwa, Pattipola, Kanneliya and Navinna. Additionally, under the Sri Lanka Ayurvedic Drug Corporation, herbal gardens have been established in Nikaweratiya, Medawachchiya, Dangolla, and Ambanpola.

Minister Jayatissa also stated that the Government is working to enhance the network of local herbal gardens and increase domestic production of Ayurvedic medicines. He pointed out that Sri Lanka imports over 130 varieties of medicinal raw materials annually, requiring substantial financial expenditure. However, a large proportion of these medicinal plants can be cultivated locally, he added.

He also emphasised the potential of the national medicinal plant cultivation project to produce surplus medicinal raw materials for export, thereby earning foreign exchange. Additionally, boosting local Ayurvedic medicine production can strengthen the rural economy.

During the visit, the ministers inspected the herbal plants in the garden and participated in a symbolic tree-planting ceremony.

Health and Media Deputy Minister Dr. Hansaka Wijemuni, Central Province Governor S.B.S. Abeykoon, Central Province Ayurvedic Commissioner W.D.C. Wickramathilaka, Ayurvedic Commissioner Dr. Dhammika Abeygunawardena, Central Province Chief Secretary Ajith Premasinghe, Central Province Health Secretary Jagath Adhikari, Research and Outreach Herbal Garden Supervisory Medical Officer R.R.M.R.V.W.K. Medagama and Ayurvedic hospital doctors and staff attended the observation tour.