Sri Lanka’s healing traditions, spanning over two millennia, weave together indigenous practices, Ayurveda, and modern medicine, creating a unique healthcare legacy. From the benevolence of ancient kings to contemporary innovations, this history reflects the island’s commitment to holistic well-being.
Ancient Beginnings: Healing Under the Kings and the
Mihintale Hospital
During the Anuradhapura (377 BCE–1017 CE) and Polonnaruwa (1017–1236 CE)
kingdoms, Sri Lankan healing flourished under royal patronage, guided by
Buddhist principles of compassion. A landmark achievement was the establishment
of the world’s first excavated general hospital at Mihintale, near
Anuradhapura, dating to the 9th century CE. Discovered through archaeological
excavations, this Arogyashala featured advanced facilities, including patient
wards, medicinal stone troughs for immersive treatments, and evidence of
surgical tools. The hospital catered to monks and laypeople, offering herbal
remedies and Ayurvedic therapies. This pioneering institution underscores Sri
Lanka’s early medical sophistication. Indigenous medicine, or Deshiya Chikitsa,
relied on herbal concoctions, spiritual rituals, and generational knowledge,
while Ayurveda, introduced via trade with India, became central. Kings like
Buddhadasa (337–365 CE), a physician himself, authored medical treatises, and
rulers funded free healthcare, ensuring widespread access.
Medieval and Colonial Shifts
In the Kandyan Kingdom (1476–1815), healing retained its Ayurvedic and
indigenous roots, enriched by Arab and European influences. Traditional healers
(Vedas) used astrology, exorcisms, and herbs in rural areas. Colonial
powers—Portuguese, Dutch, and British (1505–1948)—introduced Western medicine,
including missionary hospitals and smallpox vaccinations, but suppressed local
practices, causing a decline in indigenous medicine. Kandyan kings preserved
Ayurveda, maintaining royal physicians and herbal gardens.
Modern Revival and Integration
After independence in 1948, Sri Lanka revitalized traditional healing. The
Bandaranaike Memorial Ayurveda Research Institute, founded in 1961, formalized
Ayurveda’s role. Today, the healthcare system integrates Ayurveda, Siddha,
Unani, and Western medicine. Ayurvedic hospitals, wellness retreats, and
training institutes thrive, attracting global tourists for treatments like
Panchakarma and herbal steam baths. Rural healers continue traditional
practices, while a robust public healthcare system provides free Western care,
contributing to a life expectancy of 77 years and low infant mortality.
A Lasting Legacy
From the groundbreaking Mihintale hospital to modern integrative healthcare,
Sri Lanka’s healing journey reflects resilience and adaptation. By blending
ancient wisdom with contemporary advances, the island remains a global model
for holistic health.
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