Viroga opens at Arcade Independence Square

Wednesday, 25 May 2016 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

By Shannine Daniel

An Ayurvedic medical centre by the name of Viroga was recently opened at the Arcade in Independence Square, Colombo.

Speaking to the Daily FT Viroga owner Damith Cooray stated that Viroga is centred on delivering pure Ayurvedic treatments. It offers 25 traditional Ayurvedic treatments which cover three main areas such as Relaxation, Detoxification and Orthopaedic and Neurological treatment.

He went on to say that the treatment packages are designed for both clients looking for specific effects from Ayurveda and for ‘newbies’ interested in experiencing Ayurveda for the first time and therefore want help and advice on the places to visit and the differences between various Ayurveda centres in Sri Lanka.

The range of treatments available is priced from Rs. 1,400 up to Rs. 12,000 and the medical centre also offers free medical consultation before each and every treatment.

The name Viroga itself means ‘Living Healthy’ in Sanskrit and signifies Cooray’s understanding and need to help people who lead stressful lifestyles to relax and recuperate using traditional Ayurvedic techniques and think freely.

Cooray, an award winning fashion designer and entrepreneur with over 15 years of experience in apparel manufacturing recently diversified his business ventures into Ayurveda with his passion of uplifting Sri Lankan craft and tradition internationally.

He revealed that his experience of having a slip disc in the lumbar region a few months ago was the main reason behind his decision of opening a pure Ayurveda medical centre in Colombo 07.

“I was frantically searching for such a treatment centre in Colombo for treatment but none of the existing Ayurvedic medical centres here offer such treatments which caused patients to go out of Colombo. This was the main reason which prompted me to initiate a pure Ayurvedic medical centre with signature treatments in a centralised location in Colombo,” Cooray explained.

Viroga is situated in a small but sheltered location on the top floor of the Auditor General’s building that offers clients a lot of privacy away from the hustle of the shopping complex. From lotus flowers arranged in large pots of water to lighted incense sticks, candles and oil lamps, the decor creates a calm and relaxed atmosphere fitting much its purpose.

Cooray asserted that 10 skilled therapists, including two highly qualified Ayurvedic doctors are employed at Viroga in order to present the maximum benefit of pure Ayurveda to all of their clients.

He further stated that Virago only offers pure Ayurvedic treatments under the proper guidance of their Ayurvedic doctors and free medical consultation before each and every treatment.

He added that the medical centre is open for both local and international inquires.

“Our centralised location mainly help us to cater to expatriates who live in Colombo and tourists who visit the Arcade Independence square as an Icon of Colombo in their travel itinerary,” elaborated Cooray.

Cooray also revealed that even though the medical centre will not be marketing its own products in the first year of operation they are currently conducting research to develop a few signature products for retail in the future.

Pix by Bhanuka Kirinde