Status of Indigenous Medicine in Post-Independence Period as Recorded by

Government Administration Reports from 1950 - 1962

Dr. Danister L. Perera

Introduction

Sri Lankan indigenous medicine sector in colonial period was first considered in administrative and legal
recognition with resuscitation of nationalist revival movement at the end of nineteenth century. Ceylon
Social Reforms Society formed in 1905 raised funds for training Ayurvedic practitioners in India while the
native medical practitioners were gathering at local level for their rights and privileges. The first
suggestion that native physicians should receive some kind of official recognition was raised in relation
to a proposed Opium Ordinance in 1909. A further step in recognition of indigenous medical system was
taken in 1919 by donating a valuable land in Colombo to the Oriental Medical Science Fund for the
establishment of an Ayurvedic College and Hospital. In 1925 the Legislative Council of Ceylon set up a
committee to examine the possibility of government financial support for the training of traditional
practitioners and for the investigation of the efficacy of traditional medicines. The majority report of the
committee had recommended to establish a Board of Indigenous Medicine to control and develop local
systems of indigenous medicine with the annual contribution of the government. The first grant of Rs.
75,000 was included in the budget of 1927 – 28 and the college of indigenous medicine was declared
opened on the 10th June 1929 and annual grant of Rs. 50,000 was promised by the Legislative Council for
ten years.

In 1932 the government had begun to fund for the free Ayurvedic dispensaries run under adequate
management and supervision provided by local authorities. The first legislative enactment was the
Ayurvedic Medical Council Incorporation Ordinance No. 46 of 1935 and the second legal initiative was
Indigenous Medical Ordinance, No. 17 of 1941 to establish a Board of Indigenous Medicine. In 1946 the
Commission on Indigenous Medicine was appointed and the report was published as a sessional paper
XXXIV: 1947 which had given many recommendations for the reforms in admiration, training, and
research to maintain the quality service provide by the indigenous medical sector. In 1949 the
Indigenous Medical Ordinance was amended by No. 49 Act to provide more regulatory powers to
Ayurvedic Medical Council in registration of indigenous medical practitioners.

As soon as Indigenous Medicine report was made public in 1950, the Minster of Health appointed a
committee by the name the ‘Committee on Traditional Sinhala Medicine.’ That committee emphasized
that the indigenous medical system should be developed more than the Indian system (1950, XVII
sessional report). Associations of the Ayurvedic Physicians at that time presented proposals for the
development of indigenous medicine very enthusiastically to the relevant authorities. At the Annual
meeting of the General Assembly of the Ayurvedic Physicians held on 1951. 02. 21, discussions were
centered on the topics such as improving the relationship between western medicine and Ayurvedic
medicine and also on the government grants allocated for the development of the Ayurveda. After three
months of that meeting, on 05 April, the proposal passed by the Southern Lanka Association of
Indigenous Physicians, to start a program to obtain the services of Graduate Ayurvedic Doctors to

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provide a much broader service to the people. The consensus of these ideas and resolutions was
broadening the lawful privileges of the Ayurvedic physicians. Further, the Siddhāyurvēda Medical
College of Gampaha was awarded the status of a Government approved Ayurvedic Medical College by
Gazette notification no. 10370 on 1951.07.13.

Another decisive landmark on this struggle was the appointment of the renowned Ayurvedic physician
Pundit G.P. Wickramaracchi as President of the Congress of the Ayurvedic Associations in 1955 and
especially the lecture he delivered on that occasion. Some progressive features were significant in this
field even a few decades before independence as the leaders of that movement had given a prominent
place to Ayurveda in their campaign. The privileges that were unavailable to the Ayurveda under the
political and economic structure following independence became available after the peoples’ revolution
led by S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike in 1956. The booklet ‘The Progress of Ayurveda,’ written by Mr.
Bandaraniake contains some important points with his political views. Another important event was the
establishment of Department for the Development of Indigenous Medicine on the recommendations of
the Gunaratne Commission Report in July 1957. Pandit Shiva Sharma who signed this report after
making some revisions in it, has criticized including western medical subjects to the proportion of 63:35
in the Ayurvedic curriculum. Pandit G.P. Wickramaracchi who was the first Ayurvedic physician to be
appointed to the Senate, took his oaths in Sinhala making it an historic moment in 1957. The next most
historical event was the enforcement of Ayurveda Act No. 31 of 1961 which still exists as the only legal
frame of the Ayurveda sector. Therefore the period from 1949 to 1962 is a critical period where legal
and administrative transitions had taken place parallel to contemporary social and political reforms.

Primary Data

Primary data sources used in this study were Ceylon administration reports from 1950 to 1962 published
under “K” of Part IV (Education, Science and Art) of Ceylon Administration Report which are deposited in
the reference library of National Archives Department.

1. Administration Report of the Board of indigenous Medicine for 1950

Published in July, 1951: Signed by R.S.S. Gunawardane, President, BIM
2. Administration Report of the Department of indigenous Medicine for 1951
Published in May, 1952: Signed by J.M.L. Mendis, Secretary, BIM
3. Administration Report of the Department of indigenous Medicine for 1952
Published in April, 1953: Signed J.M.L. Mendis, Secretary, BIM
4. Administration Report of the Department of indigenous Medicine for 1953
Published in April, 1954: Signed by J.M.L. Mendis, Secretary, BIM
5. Administration Report of the Department of indigenous Medicine for 1954
Published in April, 1955: Signed by J.M.L. Mendis, Secretary, BIM
6. Administration Report of the Department of indigenous Medicine for 1955
Published in March, 1956: Signed J.M.L. Mendis, Secretary, BIM
7. Administration Report of the Department of indigenous Medicine for 1956
Published in July, 1957: Signed by H.B. Kapuwatte, Acting Secretary, BIM
8. Administration Report of the Department of indigenous Medicine for 1957

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 Published in July, 1958: Signed by H.M. Jaffer, Acting Secretary, BIM
9. Administration Report of the Commissioner for Development of indigenous Medicine for 1959
Published in March, 1960: Signed by W.J. Fernando, Commissioner for DIM
10. Administration Report of the Commissioner for Development of indigenous Medicine for 1960
Published in October, 1960: Signed by W.J. Fernando, Commissioner for DIM
11. Administration Report of the Commissioner for Development of indigenous Medicine for the
period January 1961, to September, 1961
Published in March, 1962: Signed by W.J. Fernando, Commissioner for DIM
12. Administration Report of the Commissioner for Ayurveda for 1961 – 1962
Published in March, 1962: Signed by W.J. Fernando, Commissioner for Ayurveda

The report of year 1958 was not available in the library of National Archives Department and therefore
presented data had excluded those figures published in the relevant report.

The period just after the independence when the Indigenous Medicine (Amendment) Act of 49 0f 1949
was in enforce and before the provisions of new legislation of Ayurveda Act No. 31 of 1961 were
imposed could be considered as decade of transition in indigenous medical sector in all aspects. The
BIM has published only one administration report for the period of five years from 1945 to 1949 and all
the figures had been given in a synoptic manner. In this report an historical event of appointing Dr. M.L.
Das Gupta (Chairman), Mr. P. de S. Kularatne, Mr. S. Natesan, Pandit G. P. Wickramarachchi and Dr.
J.M.L. Mendis (secretary) for “Commission of Indigenous Medicine” by His Excellency the Governor in
November 1946. The terms of reference of the commission were;

i. To examine the facilities now available at the College of Indigenous Medicine and the
Hospital of Indigenous Medicine for the teaching of Indigenous Medicine in Ceylon and for
the treatment of patients according to those system at the aforesaid hospital,
ii. To make recommendations as to the improvements that should be introduced into the
methods of instruction and training adopted at the aforesaid college and hospital and as to
the means of securing higher standards of efficiency in the practice of indigenous medicine at
the aforesaid hospital in particular and among the practitioners of those system in the Island
generally,
iii. To advise on the measure to be adopted for fostering research into the indigenous systems
of medicine and especially into their materia medica and pharmacology.

The report of commission was completed in August 1947 and published as a sessional paper in
December 1947 which was a landmark of the indigenous medical sector. Most of administrative, legal
and policy reforms were enforced by amending the Indigenous Medical Ordinance, No. 17 of 1941 in
November 1949 to enable BIM to undertake the task of registration of IMPs. The amended act granted
provisions for the maintenance of two separate registers for general and special practitioners.

The annual report of the Board of Indigenous Medicine (BIM) has provided information under following
heads; the names of the BIM, College (IMC), Herbarium, Hospital (IPD), Out-Patients Department (OPD),
Central pharmacy, Registration of practitioners of indigenous medicine (IMP). The term of office of BIM

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is three years and there were 11 members appointed in 1950 for the BIM under the chairmanship of Mr.
K. Balasingham who was pioneer figure of renunciation of indigenous medicine in colonial era.

Data Presentation

In 1950 number of students on the roll of IMC was 123 that include 13 female students also and the
number on the roll was in previous year was 153. The total number of new admissions for the year 1950
was 34 while it was 52 in 1949. The scholarships of the value of Rs. 240 and bursaries of Rs. 125 per
annum were awarded at the commencement of the academic year where the numbers were 30 and 22
respectively for scholarships and bursaries. In 1950 the number of students completed the final
examination and qualified for the graduation was 13. All these numbers were given separately in three
sections Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani.

The total number of patients treated in the hospital (IPD) was 3197 out of which 49 were in paying ward
and it was 2409 and 92 paid patients in 1949. There were 15 morbidity categories given with numbers of
patients treated under each where the highest number (710) was recorded for malaria and other fevers.
The hospital had established a maternity ward for providing training to the final year students of IMC
and occupied by a western obstetrician. The number of cases admitted to the maternity ward was 930
out of which 712 deliveries were reported and in 1949 the corresponding figures were 928 and 624.
According to the annual report of BIM of 1950 the number of beds in the hospital was 134 and the daily
average occupancy was recorded as 200 which caused many patients to be accommodated on the floor.
Also the report envisages the possibility of providing accommodation for 80 – 100 more patients in
coming year with the expansions of infrastructure.

The OPD attendance was 422,803 and the numbers of patients were given under 13 morbidity
categories where the highest number (75,638) was recorded for malaria and other fevers. The
corresponding numbers for previous years 1948 and 1949 were given as 172,028 and 358, 533 which
show a significant increase of the patients annually. The daily average was over 1000 and the highest
number of patients was recorded on 22nd May, 1950 and therefore BIM had extended their commitment
to expand the facilities in OPD. Specially for providing essential medicines for OPD and IPD the
government had allocated Rs. 743,000 for building and equipping a pilot pharmacy in a leased land at
Katubedda belonged to urban council of Moratuva.

The registration of IMPs was conducted under the provisions granted by the Indigenous Medicine
(Amendment) Act No. 49 of 1949 which made obligatory for the BIM to maintain two registers called
general and special. The general register enrolled the names of persons who had been qualified under
three categories as follows:

i. Holders of diplomas granted by the Board or of certificates issued on or before the 31st
December 1938 by the Ayurvedic Medical Council under the Ayurvedic Medical Council Act,
ii. Holders of diplomas or certificates granted by any college; hospital or other institution in
Ceylon and in India which has been declared to be an approved institution for the purpose
of this Ordinance by regulation made thereunder,

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 iii. Those who satisfy a committee appointed by the Minister for the purpose, that he possesses
sufficient knowledge, experience and skill for the efficient practice of indigenous medicine

The persons entitled to have their names in the special register should have possessed a specialized
knowledge, sufficient experience and skill in any particular branch of Ayurveda, Siddha or Unani
medicine or surgery.

In 1950 there were 480 IMPs were registered in general register while 145 out of 322 recommended by
BIM out of 512 applicants in special register.

In 1951 the report title has changed as “Administration Report of the Department of indigenous
Medicine” because the term “board” had been replaced by the word “department’. The total number of
students on the roll was 142 with 19 female students and there were 51 new admissions. The number of
scholarships and bursaries was increased from 60 to 80 and the number of final year completion was 21
in total. Also there was a post-graduate training scheme initiated in this year where 20 students had
been paid an allowance of Rs. 3 per day to meet their expenses during the period of training.

The total number of IPD patients was 3106 out of which 74 was paid patients and 42 deaths were
reported. The hospital had recovered Rs. 6340 value of fees from the paying patients. The highest
numbers were recorded for paralysis (566) and rheumatism (551) where the fever patients were in very
low number compared to the previous year. The maternity ward had recorded 802 admissions and 567
deliveries while 4 maternal deaths and 21 still births were also recorded. Attendance of OPD was
348,230 and the highest number (84,314) was recorded for malaria and other fevers as it had exceeded
the number of the previous year. The BIM had observed the difficulties faced by the rushing patients
due to absence of service during lunch hours and decided to provide the continuous service without any
interruption from 8.30 am to 4.30 pm as effected from the month of August 1951. Output of the
pharmacy was given under three sections; Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani where the medicines are
categorized under powders, confections, guguls, pills, aristas and asavas, oils, decoctions, pastes,
bhasmas, ointments, gritas and syrups etc. The original plan of establishing a pilot pharmacy in
Katubedda had changed due to logistic problems and shifted to a land in Madinnagoda belonged to
Kolonnawa Urban Council.

Total number of registered IMPs had increased up to 7701 in general register and 2450 in special as the
numbers added in this year 1958 for the general and 492 for the special register. From this year there
was a new heading added for the figures of free Ayurvedic dispensaries run by local authorities and
other recognized bodies throughout the Island. The annual grants varying from Rs. 100 to 1000 for the
dispensaries maintained by the private institutions recognized and conform to certain conditions laid
down by the Ministry of Health. The other free Ayurvedic dispensaries run by local authorities were
eligible for the financial assistance which was increased from 25,000 to 150,000. The total number of
free dispensaries received grants value of Rs. 20,920 in 1951 was 97 and the highest number (51) was
located in Northern province while the lowest numbers (1) were located in Uva, North-Central and
North-Western provinces. Another new heading added for the Pharmacopeia of indigenous medicine
and 12 members were appointed by the Minister of health and Local Government to examine all existing

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pharmacopeia and other data or material available and prepare a full pharmacopeia for Ayurveda
medicine. Also this committee was divided into three subcommittees for Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani
for the preparation of distinctive pharmacopeia accordingly. BIM has allocated Rs. 511,000 for new
buildings and additional improvements to expand the infrastructure facilities for the IPD, pathology unit,
drug museum, laboratory, class rooms etc.

According to the annual report of 1952 Malewana Gnanissara Thero had been appointed as the
president of the BIM from the 14th February for the next three years. The total number of students on
the roll was 165 including 22 female students and there were 32 admissions while 40 scholarships and
38 bursaries were granted. 12 students were qualified to obtain the diploma and they were given one
year post-graduate training in IPD, OPD and the pharmacy with an allowance of Rs. 3 per day to meet
their expenses. Later it was decided to discontinue the training as the course period of diploma had
been extended to five years. Number of IPD patients had the total of 2,734 out of which 53 were paying
patients and 41 deaths were recorded. The highest number (542) of patients was recorded from the
category of paralysis and nervous diseases while rheumatism also had marked a significant figure (494).
The number of maternity cases admitted was 605 out of which 419 deliveries were reported while 1
maternal death, 8 infant deaths and 8 still births were recorded. Totality of OPD figures had reached
274,700 while the highest number (59,106) was for the malaria and other fevers. During the year 5016
IMPs had been registered as 3998 in general register and 1018 in special. The total number of
applications for the registration perfected and returned to the register was 13,368 and a closing date
was given as the 31st of December. Rs. 44,331.11 was provided for 96 free dispensaries run by
recognized institutes and dispensaries under local bodies and out of total Rs. 24,920 was granted for the
dispensaries by private institutions.

In 1953 new members for the BIM were appointed for the period of three years commencing from the
21st August 1953 under the chairmanship of Mr. K.V.D. Sugathadasa. The number of students of IMC on
roll was 168 with 20 female students. The annual admission number was 24 while 80 scholarships and
bursaries were granted. Only 5 students were qualified to obtain the diploma and none of Unani
students was among them. The most important decision made with regard to the IMC training was to
extend the course period from four to five years where the fifth years was devoted to the practical
training and clinical training at the IPD and OPD including pathological and microscopic work at the
clinical laboratory. Lectures and practical classes in infectious diseases, leprosy and tuberculosis were
also included while indigenous medical specialists were employed in lectures on nervous diseases, eye
diseases and fractures and dislocations.

The number of IPD patients was 2375 out of which 58 were paying patients while 28 deaths were
reported. The highest numbers were recorded in rheumatism (466) and paralysis (442) as it was in
pervious year too. The revenue recovered by fees paid by patients was sum of Rs. 6,390. In maternity
ward the number of cases admitted was 596 and number of deliveries was 448 where the 1 maternal
death, 8 infant deaths and 7 still births were recorded. In OPD figures the total number of patients
attended was 299,278 and the highest number (37,366) was for rheumatism. The average daily number
was 972 and the highest number (1500) was treated on the 22nd June. The BIM had observed that the
number of OPD patients had not reduced due to the 9 new free dispensaries established within the city

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by the Colombo Municipal Council. Also this annual report has included the OPD figures according to the
ethnicity of the patients where the majority (62.28%) was Sinhalese while the Moors (15.82%) and
Tamils (13%) were relatively less. The proposal of pilot pharmacy project which was supposed to
manufacture medicine in large scale with the support of modern machineries had to be suspended due
to existing financial situation.

The total number of registered IMPs was 6203 of which 4650 was in general and 1553 in special register
while the BIM had reviewed 652 general and 535 special practitioners during the year. The registration
fee collected was Rs. 34,166.77. The grants extended for 95 free Ayurvedic dispensaries throughout the
country were Rs. 25,705 and Rs. 52,634 for 23 dispensaries maintained by the local authorities. The
report for the first time includes the figures of pathological lab attached to the hospital which had been
opened in November 1953. In this unit the most of the common tests were done and the within first two
months 2700 specimens were tested. The Cooperative Thrift Society of the Department that had been
registered under the Cooperative Societies Ordinance had 69 members and reviewed loans amounting
Rs. 15,700. A six year plan for the development and expansion was submitted to the Ministry of Health
in September 1953.

In 1954 the number of students on the roll was 165 including 20 female students and number of
admissions was 26 in the year. There were 80 scholarships and bursaries granted and 11 students were
qualified to obtain the diploma. Clinical demonstrations were conducted twice a week for the students
of fourth and fifth years while epidiascope and micro projectors were being used for medical films and
biological slides. The anatomy block had been extended and provided better facilities for dissections.
The number of IMPs registered has increased up to 6972 out of which 5013 were in general and 1959 in
special register. During this period the BIM had reviewed 769 IMPs, 363 as general practitioners and 406
as special practitioners. The revenue recovered from the registration was 23,640. 87 free dispensaries
run by recognized bodies throughout the country were provided Rs. 18,946 and 43 dispensaries
maintained by local authorities were assisted with Rs. 49,895.

3010 IPD patients were recorded out of which 55 were paying patients and 9 deaths were reported.
Highest numbers were recorded for goiter and other diseases (623) and paralysis (416). The revenue
recovered from the fees of patients was RS. 6374. The number of cases admitted to the maternity ward
was 474 and 378 deliveries were recorded while 6 infant deaths and 7 still births were recorded. The
total number of OPD patients was 320,977 and the highest number (37,578) was recorded for
rheumatism as most of previous years had. The average daily attendance was 972 and the highest
number (1818) of patients treated on the 21st June. The majority of the OPD patients were Sinhalese
(58.42%) while Moors (16.11%) and Tamils (15.47%) were in less numbers. As the BIM had anticipated
an appreciable reduction of the number of OPD patients there was no impact on the growing number of
attendance due to the 14 free Ayurvedic dispensaries established within the city by municipal council.
The clinical laboratory had tested 27,746 specimens.

BIM has emphasized the impossibility to frame regulations for the control of standards of compositions
and purity to maintain the quality of drugs without an official pharmacopeia and therefore committee
had been requested to submit an interim report. The thrift society had 83 members and reviewed loans

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amounting Rs. 29,390 while invested Rs. 12,750 in the Ceylon saving certificates. The report has included
a new heading for research which had described a trial on hypotensive and neurosedative actions of
Rauwolfia serpentina and the efficacy in the treatment of hypertension and mental diseases. Specially
during the year review facilities were given for 3 persons who had claimed to have specific remedies for
malaria and diabetes and however the results were unsatisfactory.

According to the annual report of BIM of 1955 Venerable Malevana Gnanissara Theo was appointed as
the president for the period of three years effect from 19th February with other new members from the
16th September. The number of students on the roll was 175 including 25 female students and 32 new
admissions were recorded. 80 scholarships and bursaries were provided while 18 students were eligible
for the diploma. As a disciplinary action scholarships and bursaries of all the students had been
suspended and the saved money had been utilized to buy microscopes. Additionally an epidiascope and
15 microscopes were provided for the students. On the 13th October the foundation stone for the new
three-storied building was laid by the Minister of Health Mr. E.A. Nugawela and the more infrastructure
was supposed to be provided for class rooms, laboratories and museums for chemistry, physics, biology,
anatomy, physiology and pathology. Research works had been carried out at the hospital with the
assistance of the pharmacology department of the university of Ceylon and Medical Research Institute
on Salacia reticulata (kotala himbutu), Cassia auriculata (ranavara), Pterocarpus marsupium (gammalu),
Artocarpus integrifolia (kos), Lochnera rosea (minimal), Eugenia jambolana (madam), Terminalia arjuna
(kumbuk), Baliosperma montanum (datta), Languas vittata (aratta). Also an experimental study on
Vitamin B tablets made from toddy sediments was also being conducted and those tablets were claimed
to be effective in B complex deficiency.

The number of IPD patients was 2922 out of which 59 were paying patients and 8 deaths were recorded.
The revenue recovered by the fees of paid patients was Rs. 6105. Maternity cases admitted was 401
while 288 deliveries, 1 maternal death, 2 infant deaths, 8 still births were recorded. OPD figures had the
total of 309,865 and highest number (36,768) was for rheumatism. Financial assistance worth of Rs.
44,850 was provide for 30 free dispensaries maintained by recognized institutes and 52 dispensaries run
by local bodies where Rs. 17,495 was provided for private sector. Total number of specimens tested was
32,448 in clinical laboratory. Foundation stones laid by Prime minister, Ministers of health, home affairs,
finance for a one-storied building for ward block, operating theatre, research center and administration
block to expand the services. The Silver Jubilee of IMC and hospital was celebrated during the period of
5th to 11th January which was presided over by His Excellency the Governor General Sir Oliver
Goonatilleke, Prime minister Sir John Kotelawala and Minister of Health Mr. E.A. Nugawela. An
exhibition was held for this event and around 30,000 persons had visited during this period. Also several
indigenous medical specialists were appointed for boils and carbuncles, diabetes, nervous diseases,
snakebites etc. During the year 347 persons had been registered as general practitioners while 220 as
special practitioners and the total number of registered IMPs had increased to 7,340 (5,175 general and
2165 special). Membership of thrift society had increased up to 93 and total contribution was Rs. 35,550
while loans under review were amounting Rs. 17,875.

In 1956 the membership of BIM reshuffled and several new members had been appointed from time to
time. The total number of students on the roll was 170 including 24 female students while 33 new

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admissions were recorded. 79 scholarships and bursaries were granted and 33 students had been
qualified to obtain the diploma. IPD figures had the total of 2375 out of which only 9 were recorded as
paying patients and number of deaths had been 18. The revenue recovered from the fees of patients
was Rs. 2,740 while Rs. 12,135 was collected from the registration and inquiry fees. The reason for the
significant decrease of paying patients was the section that accommodated such patients had been
demolished for the new buildings. The highest number (502) of patients was recorded from the category
of goiter and other diseases. In the maternity ward out of 300 admissions 249 deliveries were done and
5 infant deaths and 3 still births were recorded. Total number of OPD patients was 338,311 and the
highest number (40,003) was recorded from the category of rheumatism and joint diseases. The
majority of patients had represented Sinhalese (93.52%) while Tamils (2.99%) and Moors (2.96%) were
less. 74 free dispensaries maintained by recognized institutes were given Rs. 14,195 and 67 dispensaries
under the local bodies were provided the annual grant. The thrift society had 95 members and total
contribution was Rs. 50,075 while loans under review was amounting Rs. 24,194. These loans were
granted at the interest rate of 6% and the profit was awarded as 2.5% bonus to the members. The
annual report has given the registration number of the society under the Cooperative Societies
Ordinance as C 1957. In addition to the investment of Ceylon saving certificates Rs. 7,572.04 was
deposited in the Cooperative federal Bank saving account.

The title of report for 1957 had changed as “Administration Report of the Commissioner for
Development of indigenous Medicine” where a commissioner post had been introduced. In the year of
1957 Mr. S. Amarasinghe was appointed as the president of BIM and Dr. R.B. Lenora had resigned from
the principal post on the 25th January as a result of a strike due to which some students were struck off
from the register. The number of students on the roll was 53 with 15 females while 61 new admissions
were done. 40 scholarships and 21 bursaries were granted while only 2 Unani students were qualified
from the final examination for the diploma. The total number of IPD patients was 2100 including 259
maternity cases out of which 168 deliveries were done and 2 maternal deaths and 3 still births were
recorded. A new block built by which the bed capacity was supposed to increase by additional 124 beds.
OPD figures had declined to 296,446 and highest number (33,888) was recorded for the stomach and
intestinal diseases. Majority of the patients attended to OPD was Sinhalese (66.68%) while Moors
(19.8%) and Tamils (13%) were less. Number of specimens tested in clinical laboratory was 35,419. The
grants valued of Rs. 98,475 were provided for 149 free dispensaries out of which 67 dispensaries under
local bodies Rs. 79,486 allocated for. The total number of IMPs registered was 7570 out of which 5357
were general and 2213 were special. During the year only 69 persons were registered and Rs. 3,000
collected as fees for registration and inquiries. The membership of the thrift society was 99 and total
contribution was Rs. 61, 476 while the loans reviewed amounting Rs. 35,320. The saving in the
Cooperative Federal Bank was increased up to Rs. 9,020.

In the opening of the annual report of year 1959 late Prime Minister S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike was
admired as a great friend and benefactor of Ayurveda while indicating the dawn of new bill of Ayurveda.
Also it had highlighted the visit during the period between April and October in last year and service of
Pandit Shiv Sharma for the development of Ayurveda in particularly on reorganization of the IMC
curriculum. The additional accommodation facilities extended with the new ward block that enabled

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increasing number of beds from 135 to 266 while expressing expectations of a separate ward for
children too. The cabinet decision for acquiring 17 acre land with valuable buildings at Nawinna with the
object of opening a post-graduate training and research center was specially quoted that Rs. 500,000
allocated from the hospital lotteries fund. According to the report IMC had carried out research
activities with the assistance of the professor of pharmacology of the university of Ceylon as a part of
which an Ayurvedic physician and a Western physician had conducted a joint research into sevral drugs
used in the treatment of diabetes.

In accordance with a decision made by the Minister of health Mr. A.P. Jayasuriya construction of an
Ayurvedic hospital in new town of Anuradhapura was expedited. Also translation of classical Ayurvedic
textbooks was another initiative supported by the BIM with the help of official language department.
Chairmanship of the BIM changed twice during the year where Mr. H.P. Jayawardhana was on the post
only for 6 months and Mr. W.J. Fernando was appointed on the 15th July. Total number of students on
the roll was 110 including 30 females and 50 new admissions were made. 34 scholarships and 32
bursaries were granted while only 9 students were graduated and no Siddha student was qualified
among them. The main object of the hospital was to impart to its students a systematic clinical training
which will enable them to be proficient in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and treatment of
disease and allied matters. The total number of IPD patients was 2,584 and 18 deaths were recorded.
The highest number (519) of patients was reported from the category of Vatarakta which had been
added as a new category. In addition to the IPD total number of maternity cases admitted was 596 out
of which 449 deliveries were recorded while 1 maternal death, 3 infant deaths and 6 still births were
reported.

The total number of attendance of OPD patients was 267,963 of which the highest number (28,642) was
recorded from stomach and intestinal disorders. Number of specimens tested was 48,897. Number of
free dispensaries run by recognized institutions and local bodies was 125 and Rs. 95,395 was granted for
68 dispensaries under local bodies. In the previous year this figure was Rs. 13,070 for 57 dispensaries
maintained by private bodies and Rs. 82,325 for 68 dispensaries run by local authorities. 52 New IMPs
were registered during the year and the total number had increased up to 7,692 of which 5,479 were
general and 2,213 were special category. The thrift society had total membership of 109 and
contribution of Rs. 80,949. The sum of loans given out to members was Rs. 39,079 and profit was
amounted during the year was Rs. 1,051.98 while the investment in the Cooperative Federal bank was
increased up to Rs. 8,377.

In 1960 the total number of students on the roll was 124 including 42 female students while 39 new
admissions were recorded. 70 scholarships and bursaries were granted and 6 students had been
qualified to obtain the diploma while no females among them. IPD figures had the total of 3667 out of
which 962 were recorded as paying patients and number of deaths had been 20. In the maternity ward
out of total admissions 770 deliveries were done and 13 infant deaths and 9 still births were recorded.
The highest number (530) of patients was recorded from the category of Vatarakta and no paying
patients were recorded. Total number of OPD patients was 301,075 while the highest number (40,003)
was recorded from the category of stomach and intestinal diseases. As the report stated the number of
IPD patients had increased by 15% and OPD figures by 12%. In clinical laboratory 56,470 specimens were

10
tested. 134 free dispensaries maintained by recognized institutions were given Rs. 12,225 and Rs. 87,625
was provided for 81 dispensaries maintained under 51 local bodies as the annual grant. During the year
108 IMPs were registered and Rs. 1575 was recovered as the revenue from the registration fees while
the total number of IMPs registered increased up to 7692. The report has proudly mentioned that the
completion of Sinhala translation of Charaka Samhita by Dr. R. Buddhadasa as an historical event and
the translation of Sushruta Samhita had been sent for the printing.

The report of 1961 had only included the information only for the nine months from January to
September and rest of the period had been included into the next year report. In the year of 1961 the
number of students on the roll was 217 including 86 females and 93 new admissions were made.
Number of students qualified for the graduation was 6 and there were no Unani students among them.
The total number of IPD patients was 2089 belonged to 18 categories of morbidity out of which the
highest number (209) was from Vatarakta. As the report claimed there was a 1% increase on the
number of pervious year and the number of deaths recorded in the reviewed year was 5. Out of the
total IPD patients 697 was maternity cases and 371 deliveries had been done while 11 infant deaths, 1
maternal deaths and 18 still births were recorded. Out of the deliveries 357 were normal while 12 were
abnormal and 2 were forceps cases. OPD figures had increased with 8% on the number of pervious year
and the average of the daily attendance was 1000 to 1200. The total number of OPD patients was
244,810 out of which the highest number (26, 528) was from pneumonia and lung diseases. In the
clinical laboratory 52,598 specimens had been tested. Rs. 370,955 was granted for 134 dispensaries run
by recognized institutions out of which 85 were run by 47 local authorities.

The Ayurveda pharmacopeia committee had held 298 meetings and indexed 277 names of medicinal
plants running into 704 foolscap papers and a scientific nomenclature into 107 pages. Siddha
pharmacopeia committee also had held 261 meetings and indexed 430 medicinal ants running into
5,959 pages. The research work carried out into a system of operation of cataract and special treatment
of children suffering from Polio in addition to the research on diabetes and asthma initiated in previous
year. Out of 32 diabetic patients 3 were completely cured and 10 were satisfactorily cured although it
had been presumed their illnesses were incurable. 6 patients were sent out for refusing to carry out
instructions and 8 had left on their own while 5 had been transferred to fever hospital due to infectious
diseases. In asthma research out of 31 patients 22 had been discharged after complete cure and 4 had
left on their own before completely cured while 2 patients were incurable and 3 had to be dispatched to
the general hospital as they had developed heart diseases.

The annual report of year 1962 is titled as “Administration Report of the Commissioner for Ayurveda”
and described as the first administration report since the practice of preparing such reports inrespect of
calendar year was abandoned in terms of treasury directive. This report commemorated the
enforcement of the new Ayurveda Act No. 31 0f 1961 and establishment of Bandaranaike Memorial
Ayurevda Institute at Nawinna under the directorship of Dr. Baladeva Sharma. The total number of
students on the roll was 277 including 107 females and 100 new admissions were done while 24
students were graduated. 4,127 IPD patients had been treated including 890 maternity cases and the
highest number (282) of patients was reported from anemia. Out of total admissions of maternity ward
646 deliveries were reported while 6 infant deaths and 12 still births were recorded. The number of OPD

11
attendance had not been given in the report. In the research work carried out on diabetes 8 were
completely and 6 were partially cured out of 24 patients while 5 had left on their own and 2 were sent
to general hospital. Only 3 of them were found to be incurable. Rs. 383,960 was granted for 88
dispensaries under local authorities and 1,031,416 patients had been treated by these. Other 47
dispensaries run by private institutions were provided Rs. 11,510 and they have served 363,910
patients. Also 8 dispensaries had been deleted from the list.

12
Data Analysis:

The data presented in the reports are simply analyzed to demonstrate the outputs in various aspects of
indigenous medical sector.

250

200

150
Ayurveda
Sidda
100 Unani

50

0
1950 1951 1952 1953 1954 1955 1956 1957 1959 1960 1961 1962

Figure 1: Students on the Roll in Indigenous Medical College

The number of students in the register had gradually gone up and suddenly dropped in the year of 1957
in all three sections. The female student number was always less than males and the lowest percentage
(10.5%) had been recorded in 1950 and highest was in 1961 (39.4%). But it was less in 1945 to 1949
where the lowest percentage (5.4%) in 1947. But the total number of students during the period of
1947 to 1949 was higher than 1950.

80

70

60

50
Ayurveda
40
Sidda

30 Unani

20

10

13
0
1950 1951 1952 1953 1954 1955 1956 1957 1959 1960 1961 1962
Figure 2: New Admissions for Indigenous Medical College

The annual new admissions were fluctuated throughout the period were the number had gone up to 93
in 1961 and increased to 100 in 1962 also. But during the period of 1947 to 1949 also the numbers were
significant than the period of 1952 to 1956 where the number was 24 to 33. In the year of 1947 the
number of admission was as fairly high (68) which could be the third ranked figure from 1945 to 1962.

30

25

20

Ayurveda
15
Sidda
Unani
10

0
1950 1951 1952 1953 1954 1955 1956 1957 1959 1960 1961 1962

Figure 3: Graduation of Final Year Students of Indigenous Medical College

The number of students qualified for the graduation after the completion of final year examination was
highly fluctuated and the highest number was 33 in 1956 while the least number (2) was in 1957. There
were Ayurveda no graduates in the year of 19571 and no Siddha section students were able to complete
in 1957 and 1959 while in 1953 and 1961 there were no Unani graduates passed out. But the during the
period of 1945 to 1949 the graduation rate was fairly good and the highest number (38) was recorded in
1948 which was the highest number of the period from 1945 to 1962. There were no female students
qualified for the graduation In 1960 while 6 female diploma holders were there among 24 total
graduated in 1961.

1 th
The principal of IMC resigned from the post on the 25 January 1957 due to strike

14
 450,000

400,000

350,000

300,000

250,000

200,000

150,000

100,000

50,000

0
1950 1951 1952 1953 1954 1955 1956 1957 1959 1960 1961

Figure 4: OPD Attendance of Hospital 2

The highest number of patients was recorded in 1950 (422,803) which was a climax of gradual progress
of previous five years from 1945 (106,843). But as the report of 1945 - 1949 states the treatment was
made free of charge in February 1949 and therefore the number was almost doubled (358,538) than the
previous year (172,028). This remarkable increase was shown in the disease categories like malaria and
other fevers (2.48), diseases of lungs and pleura (2.17), rheumatism and joint disorders (2.59), paralysis
and nervous diseases (1.95), stomach and intestinal disorders (3.9) where almost the number had been
tripled or quadrupled.3 Malaria and other fevers had kept the highest number in 1950 (75,638) and
1951 (84,314) which had been significantly dropped by 60%. The number of diseases of lungs and pleura
also had been declined after 1950 (52,419) and 1951 (60,172) by 50% while patients attended for
rheumatism and joint disorders were also being dropped after 1950 (72,864) and 1951 (62,464). But the
number of cases under the category of paralysis and nervous diseases had continued at the same level
while number of stomach and intestinal disorders had shown a sudden increase in 1950 (61,693). The
most Interesting figure is the number of diabetes cases attended in 1959 is remarkably high (19,819)
and the disease category was added for the first time in the OPD morbidity list which could have been
categorized under the genito-urinary diseases. A separate category for heart diseases also had been
added from the year of 1959 which had recorded 22,131 cases in the same year and had increased in
1960 to 26,458. Another new category added from 1959 was bronchitis and catarrh which had recorded
13,519 in the same year and increased up to 18,974 in 1960. The number patients attended to OPD

2
Since the 1961 report has given information only for first nine months of the year those data do not represent
the annual figures as other years.
3
Administration Report of the Board of indigenous Medicine for the period of 1945 to 1949

15
could have been affected by the free dispensaries run by Colombo municipal council and suburb where
only Colombo municipal council had treated 339, 409 patients through 14 dispensaries in 1962.

100%

90%

80%

70%

60% Others

50% Tamils
Moors
40%
Sinhalese
30%

20%

10%

0%
1953 1954 1955 1956 1957

Figure 5: Ethnicity of OPD Patients

In 1956 there was a significant drop of Tamil and Moor patients while the total number patients had
increased compared to the previous year. But the figure has restored in 1957 (Moors 39158 / Tamils
38561) similar to 1955 (Moors 40181 / Tamils 39472). Ethnicity of the patients also represent the
popularity of Ayurevda, Siddha and Unani systems where most of Sinhalese people go for Ayurveda
section while Tamils prefer for Siddha and Moors for Unani.

16
 3500

3000

2500

2000

IPD Patients
1500

1000

500

0
1950 1951 1952 1953 1954 1955 1956 1957 1959 1960 1961 1962

Figure 6: Total Number of IPD Patients4

Total number of beds in the hospital was 134 out of which only 4 beds were set apart for paying patients
from whom a fee of Rs. 5 was made per day. During the period from 1945 to 1948 the number of paying
patients was very high out of the total IPD patients 657 (33.55%), 602 (28.57%), 608 (29.31%) and 612
(27.64%) while the revenue recovered from the fees of paying patients was also very high like Rs. 18,259
(1945), Rs. 20126 (1946), Rs. 18669 (1947) and Rs. 18810 (1948). As the report stated in 1949 the paying
ward was converted into non-paying and the number of patients was recorded as 92 which had earned
only Rs. 4881. But there had been a less number of paying patients were reported from 1949 to 1956
and the reason given for the least number reported in 1956 was demolishing the paying ward for new
construction. The highest number of IPD patients was recorded in 1962 (3232) during the reviewed
period after the year of 1950 (3197).5 The number had been gradually increased from 1945 and the
lease number was reported 1841 in 1957. The mostly attended cases for residential treatments were
reported from the category of paralysis and nervous diseases which had been gradually increased until
the climax (710) in 1950 and the least number (116) was reported in 1962. The total number of deaths
among the IPD patients had shown a remarkable decline during the reviewed period where the highest
number (42) in 1951 and least (5) in 1962. Gender representation among IPD patients was almost similar
when the maternity cases were also added as the figures given after 1957.

4
Since the 1961 report has given information only for first nine months of the year those data do not represent
the annual figures as other years.
5
The number of IPD patients excludes the maternity cases attended

17
 1200

1000

800

600 Admissions
Deliveries

400

200

0
1950 1951 1952 1953 1954 1955 1956 1957 1959 1960 1961 1962

Figure 7: Admissions and Deliveries at Maternity Ward6

The maternity ward had been opened in November 1946 and the number of maternity cases attended
was only 20 in the last two months of 1946 which had marked the figure 287 in 1947. The number had
rapidly gone up in 1948 (406) and 1949 (928) in doubling rate and reached climax (930) in 1950
afterwards it has gradually declined up to 259 in 1957. The highest number (962) was recorded in 1960
while the highest number of maternal deaths recorded in 1961 where most of the years unless 1951 had
recorded 1 (1952 and 1955) or zero deaths. The average delivery rate was 71.1% during the reviewed
period and the highest delivery rate (83%) was recorded in 1956 and the lowest rate (53.22)7 was in
1961. But the report has no clarification to distinguish the maternity cases admitted only for deliveries
or any other complications with pregnancy.

6
Since the 1961 report has given information only for first nine months of the year those data do not represent
the annual figures as other years.
7
This figure is only for the first nine months

18
 40

35

30

25

20 Infant deaths
Still births
15

10

0
1950 1951 1952 1953 1954 1955 1956 1957 1959 1960 1961 1962

Figure 8: Infant Deaths and Still Births at Maternity Ward

The highest number (37) of infant deaths was reported in 1951 while the highest number of still births
(18) was in 1961.

Table 1: Manufacturing Output of the Pharmacy

1951 1952 1953 1954 1955 1956 1957 1959 1960 1961
powders (Ib) 5134 6057 5446 5852 6293 6885 6464 7773 5914 7178
confections (Ib) 13994 13478 14719 17679 16261 16252 15025 14189 15955 11701
guguls (Ib) 353 394 215
pills and tabs 914134 1138969 1024815 1068753 1434778 1195218 1184602 1056646 1684115 32425
Arista / asava
(bots) 63453 64357 60968 62466 63575 66365 64772 71986 77261 62419
oils (bots) 6653 7200 6066 7719 7852 7512 7357 8293 8055 7453
decoctions 31296 30292 32179 34814 37889 38666 35208 45128 54466 45397
pastes 7524 7159
bhasmas (Ib) 82 87 74 81 51 53 320 165 151
ointments (Ib) 168 208 7206 7812 6943 7612 6022 7135 11455 9 830
gritha & other
preparations (Ib) 1420 1820 1398 1555 2177 1677 1710 1447 5943 1382
syrups (bots) 2060 2442 2737 3441 4009 3157 3599 2907 3025 2598
lotions (bots) 386 192 232 297 240
pills (gold mix) 1690 15285 668 2144 28675 6940
churnas, gold
mix (lb) 2.2

19
 Kalkas (lb) 407.5 494 401

The medicinal preparations dispensed for OPD and IPD patients were manufactured in the pharmacy
attached to the hospital. The figures are highly varies due to the different shelf-life and stock amounts
which do not reflect any special information on the output. The highest quantity (77,261 bottles) of
Arista and Asavas, (8293 bottles) of medicinal oils, (7773 pounds) of powders were manufactured in
1960 while the lowest figures of Arista and Asavas (60,968 bottles), medicinal oils (6066 bottles) were in
1953. From 1956 manufacturing of gold mixed pills was initiated and only in 1959 2,2 pounds of gold
mixed powders were produced. In 1959 the highest amount of Bhasmas (320 pounds) were
manufactured where 1957 this preparation was not produced. After 1953 the gugul preparations were
not manufactured and the reason could not be clarified. The highest amount (17679 pounds) of
confections was produced in 1954 while the manufacturing of highest amount (54466 bottles) of
decoctions was recorded in 1960. Sometimes the reason of decline of manufacturing some medicines in
the pharmacy might have been affected by the purchasing some medicinal preparations from outside
suppliers.

70

60

Western
50
Central

40 North - western
Northen
30 Southern
Sabaragamuwa
20
Eastern
Uva
10

0
1951 1952 1953 1954 1955 1956 1957 1959 1960 1961

Figure 9: Number of Free Local Dispensaries Granted by Government

The highest numbers of local level free dispensaries granted by the government annually were located
in Northern Province and Western province and the least numbers were in North Central, North
Western and Uva provinces where in some years zero number is recorded. But until 1960 there was a
remarkable gap between the numbers of Western and Northern Provinces which kept a gap of 40
(Northern Province = 51 and Western Province = 11) while in 1954 the gap had increased up to 50. After
the year 1956 the number of dispensaries increased and in 1961 it has reached up to 50 while in

20
Northern Province the number had decreased after 1957 and declined to 44. The number of 8
dispensaries in Western Province in 1956 had suddenly increased up to 43 in 1957 where the highest
number (64) of dispensaries are granted in Northern Province in the same year.

5000

4500
Western
4000
Central
3500 North- central
3000 North - western

2500 Northen
Southern
2000
Sabaragamuwa
1500
Eastern
1000
Uva
500 Overall average
0
1951 1952 1953 1954 1955 1956 1957 1959 1960 1961

Figure 11: Average of Grants Allocated Annually for Free Dispensaries

The annual grants allocated for the free dispensaries were logically had been increased when the figure
is calculated per unit. In most of the provinces like Western, Southern, Central, North Western,
Sabaragamuva the average had gone up remarkably after 1960 and there was a big gap between
Western Province and other provinces. The gap between the Western (Rs. 4754) and the least increased
average (Rs. 550) recorded in Uva Province was Rs. 4204 while with the second highest (Rs. 3100) the
gap was Rs. 1654. But in Uva the average had doubled from the year 1960 to 1961 while in Northern
Province it had been increased almost close to three times while provinces like Southern (3.3),
Sabaragamva (2.7), Western (3.8) and North Western (4.2) had a very significant rate of growth in the
average of annual grant. Sbaragamuva Province average marks the highest growth (10.8) rate in 1957 in
which year most of the provinces (except Uva and Northern) kept the average over the baseline. But in
1961 only Western and Sabaragamamuva Provinves were over the baseline average (Rs. 2820). In
Central Province the number of dispensaries was suddenly had gone up to 11 in 1957 and 14 in 1958
where there was zero number in 1956 while the grant was reduced in 1960 and therefore the average
shows a significant drop in that year.

Political and Social Background

The BIM as the administrative body was highly under political influence which had constantly made
efforts to change the members or leadership before the term was completed. According to the report of
1950 the BIM had been appointed on the 21st August 1950 for three years and the term should have

21
been completed in August 1953. But as the report of 1952 stated again a new president for BIM was
appointed for three years period commencing from the 14th February, 1952. The new BIM was
appointed on the 21st August, 1953 for next three years period which should be completed in August
1956. But Venerable Malevana Gnanissara Thero was reappointed as the president for three years effect
from the 19th February, 1955 with other members appointed on the 16th September and another
reappointed member on the 15th October. Then again in 1956 there were more members appointed for
the BIM on the 24th May, 21st July, 24th August and 20th October, 1956 for the three years effect from the
date of appointment. The commissioner for Development of Indigenous Medicine Mr. W.J. Fernando
had resigned from the post on the 18th March, 1959 and assumed duties again on the post effect from
8th July. The BIM was appointed by the Minister of Health on the 23rd January 1960 and reappointed
some members who had completed their three years term on the 15th July 1962.

There were two wings which made conflicts on standards of profession and education of Ayurveda /
indigenous medicine which later became confrontation between Shudda Ayurveda and Sankara
Ayurveda. (also called Vedahatana or Battle of Doctors). Some groups of indigenous physicians camped
in protest on grounds that such modernization might cause some split in the Ayurvedic system. A very
important landmark and the beginning of a decisive period in the field of Ayurveda dawned with the
appointment of Dr. R.B. Lenora as Principal of Ayurvedic Medical College on 1952-05-15. The resolutions
submitted by Dr. Lenora created a controversial situation in the field of Ayurveda leading to an historical
and these resolutions came to be known as a tradition by the name ‘Lenora system’. The
‘shuddayurveda’ group who opposed the Lenora system attacked it saying that they were trying to
popularize a ‘sankaravedakama’ while those who supported the Lenora system responded to them by
saying that they were an anti-progress group who obstructed the development of the Ayurveda by
trying to continue with conventional ideas. Two factions supportive of that tradition and another one
opposing it developed in the field of the Ayurveda who continued to engage in debates and criticism
culminating in a conflict at a national level. The essence of the Lenora system was to combine the
Ayurvedic curriculum with the modern scientific knowledge theoretically as well as practically.
Accordingly it was proposed to use modern technological equipment and methods for diagnosis and
teaching about selected, modern western medicine to the Ayurvedic physicians. Following this
controversy, by the intervention of Mr. E.A. Nugawela, the Minster of Health “Proposal for Revival, and
Development of Indigenous Medicine in Ceylon was presented which was subsequently known as the
‘Nugawela white paper’. The public media, especially the news media in Sri Lanka had provided a big
publicity for this subject and they had prepared a forum for a continued debate on the subject.

One of the most important events in the history of the Ayurveda in this country was the Ayurvedic Act of
No 31, 1961, which his in force even today. Clause no. 89 in that Act which gave a legal interpretation to
‘Ayurveda’ became a futuristic foundation for creating a good example for the Asian region going
beyond the Sri Lankan identity. The legal provisions of that Act were instrumental in bringing in reforms
that helped development in the field of Ayurveda in its policies, administrative and institutional
revisions. At the same time the Indigenous Ayurvedic Development Department was changed into
‘Department of Ayurveda’ and the appointment of W.J. Fernando as its first Commissioner marking
another important landmark. It was under the legal provisions included in that Act that enabled the

22
Board of the Ayurvedic Doctors, Committee on Ayurvedic Research, and the Board of Ayurvedic
Education and hospitals were to be established on 14.10.1962. The opening ceremony of the Navinna
Bandaranaike Ayurvedic Research Center was held with Jawaharlal Nehru attending it as Chief Guest. On
22.12.1962, the Report of the Survey on Information of ACBC, sub-committee on the National
Development of Ayurveda which included a seminal section on medical information was released. The
Chapter 18 of this Report contained a series of proposals for the development of Ayurveda. In the
meantime a list of Ayurvedic products and raw materials had been published the Gazette notification
number 13796 of 18th November 1963.

Along with the enforcement of the new Act, during the 1960s, through the developments taking place in
the field of Ayurveda a truly effective program for making Ayurvedic services and medicine to the public
was launched. The Ayurvedic College in Borella and the Ayurvedic Hospital were functioning under the
control of the Hospitals Board as state institutions receiving full sponsorship of the state. The
Department of Ayurvedic Medicine was given funds from Annual Budget of the government for
propagating Ayurveda among the people by opening Ayurvedic medical centers in a number of areas in
the island. However the financial allocations for the Ayurveda from the government were minimal
compared with the huge sums of money allocated for the main health service based on western
medicine. Therefore the progressive Ayurvedic organizations and leaders in Ayurvedic medicine thought
that Ayurveda was receiving ‘step motherly’ treatment while the government was serving the western
medicine with the spoon it was Ayurveda with the handle of the spoon. Therefore it would be clear why
our Ayurvedic system, which is as old as the history of the country has followed the slow path of
development compared with the rapid development of western medicine which has less than 400 years
old history.

Acknowledgement:

Dr. Saroja Wettasinghe, Director, National Archives Department

Mrs. Chamila Rajapathinara, Assistant Archivist, National Archives Department

Mrs. Shriyani Ranasinghe, Archival Research Assistant, National Archives Department

Dr. W.G.N. Samanweera, PG Research Student

Dr. Saumya Jayasiri, PG Research Student

23