The cultural arm of the High Commission of India in Colombo, Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre celebrated the 9th Ayurveda Day in Colombo on 1st November 2024. The High Commissioner of India H.E. Santosh Jha inaugurated the 9^th Ayurveda Day with the Vice Chancellor of the University of Colombo Prof. H. D Karunaratne at the New Arts Theatre of the University.

The event was organised by the Centre along with the Faculty of Indigenous Medicine of the University of Colombo for the second time in collaboration with the Department of Ayurveda, Government of Sri Lanka, Gampaha Wickramarachchi University of Indigenous Medicine and Faculty of Siddha Medicine of the Eastern University, Trincomalee Campus.

While delivering the inaugural address, the High Commissioner stated that Ayurveda serves as a profound bridge between India and Sri Lanka, connecting the two nations through shared heritage and holistic healing practices. Rooted in ancient Indian wisdom, Ayurveda was introduced to Sri Lanka thousands of years ago, where it merged with indigenous knowledge, creating a unique yet interconnected tradition. Both countries share a deep respect for Ayurveda’s principles, focusing on balance, natural remedies, and personalized health care. The event was attended by over 300 scholars, practitioners and students from different universities and institutions.

Ayurveda Day is officially celebrated every year on auspicious day of ‘Dhanwantari Jayanti – Dhanteras’ since 2016. The theme for 9th Ayurveda Day is ‘Ayurveda Innovation for Global Health’ that represents a fusion of ancient wisdom with modern science, bringing Ayurveda’s holistic practices to a world seeking sustainable wellness solutions. 

On this occasion, two renowned Ayurveda scholars of Sri Lanka– Senior Prof. Sarath Gamini Ranasingha and Emeritus Professor (Mrs) E.R.H.S.S. Ediriweera were felicitated for their lifelong contributions to the field of Ayurveda in Sri Lanka. The winners of different competitions were also awarded with medals and book-vouchers.

Ayurveda, a natural system of medicine, originated in India more than 3,000 years ago. The term Ayurveda is derived from the Sanskrit words ayur (life) and veda (science or knowledge). Thus, Ayurveda translates to knowledge of life, with its natural therapies focused on ways to regain the balance between body, mind, spirit, and environment.

The Embassy of Sri Lanka in the Netherlands, together with the Siddhalepa Ayurveda Resorts & Spa, organized a tourism promotional event, with a special focus on the Sri Lankan indigenous medical system. The event was held at the Embassy premises on 22 October 2024. Dutch travel agents, tour operators and tourism-related media attended the event and were educated on the benefits of Sri Lankan Ayurveda and leisure/health treatments available in the sector.

Addressing the gathering, Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the Netherlands, Rekha Gunasekera expressed her gratitude to the attendees and industry representatives, for their support to promote Sri Lanka as a premier holiday destination among the Dutch travelers. She also expressed willingness to work closely with them to further increase the number of tourist arrivals from the Netherlands to Sri Lanka. Moreover, she stated that the number of Dutch tourists visiting Sri Lanka this year has already surpassed last year’s records. The Netherlands is among the top 10 tourist sourcing markets for Sri Lanka. 

Senior Marketing Manager of Siddhalepa Ayurveda Resort & Spa, Ushan Edirisinghe delivered a presentation on the history of Sri Lankan Ayurveda and on Siddhalepa Ayurveda Resorts & Spa as well as its products. The participants were provided with an opportunity to sample Siddhalepa products and were treated to a variety of healthy Sri Lankan food items. A raffle was also drawn and the lucky winner was presented with a gift voucher for a full board stay at Siddhalepa Ayurveda Resort & Spa for one week.   

A 20-member delegation from the Singapore Press Club (SPC) is to visit Sri Lanka from 31 October to 09 November 2024, with the objective of learning more about the culture, economy, politics, and people of Sri Lanka.

The Singapore Press Club selected Sri Lanka as next destination for their annual goodwill mission, at the request of the High Commissioner of Sri Lanka in Singapore Senarath Dissanayake. During the visit, the President of the Singapore Press Club will lead the delegation. In addition to exploring the natural beauty and cultural diversity of Sri Lanka, the delegation will meet Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya, Governor of the Northern Province Nagalingam Vethanayahan and the Honorary Consul of Singapore in Sri Lanka Dr. Jayantha Dharmadasa, during their visit.

Upon returning, the delegation will share their experience through social media, printed media, and TV channels promoting Sri Lanka in Singapore.

In preparation, a pre-departure briefing session organised by the High Commission of Sri Lanka in Singapore was held on 24 October 2024 at the mission premises. During the session, High Commissioner Dissanayake welcomed the members of the delegation, including President Patrick Daniel, Vice President Bagman Singh, and General Manager Janet Wee of the SPC, and thanked them for selecting Sri Lanka as their 2024 annual goodwill mission destination. Further, the High Commissioner thanked Non-Resident High Commissioner of Singapore to Sri Lanka   S. Chandra Das for connecting the SPC with the High Commission of Sri Lanka. He further thanked Sri Lankan Airlines, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, and various private sector companies who have contributed in numerous ways by providing concessionary air tickets and supporting with other logistical arrangements.

A detailed presentation highlighting the itinerary and the other important features of Sri Lanka was conducted for the SPC members. The itinerary which has been meticulously planned and mapped out based on the interests of Singaporeans including a highland train ride to Ella, a tuk tuk safari in Colombo, a visit to a tea factory in Nuwaraeliya, and a wildlife safari in Minneriya National Park providing exposure to the diverse local culture, wildlife, and scenic beauty that Sri Lanka has to offer. The session concluded with the serving of Sri Lankan delicacies and tea providing the participants with an opportunity to experience the Sri Lankan culinary and hospitality. Head of Chancery Ahamed Razee and Minister (Commercial) Yasantha Yaddehi  of the High Commission of Sri Lanka in Singapore also attended the event.

The Singapore Press Club (SPC), founded in 1971, is an active networking organisation serving Singapore’s vibrant media community across all platforms. The club members comprise journalists and media professionals based in Singapore, including local and foreign professionals working in the print and broadcast media as well as public relations and other media-related sectors.