Wellness Victor!

Iconic ayurveda industry veteran Victor Hettigoda was felicitated for his contribution to its growth and popularity globally yesterday by President Mahinda Rajapaksa after the latter opened the three day International Indigenous Healthcare Exhibition  and Symposium  at the Sirimavo Bandaranaike Convention Centre.

Victor’s son Asoka who is the President of the National Chamber of Commerce, is the organiser of the exhibition with support from several other state agencies, and Prime Minister D.M. Jayaratne are also present

Lanka aims for bigger share of $ 100 b global ayurveda market

By Shezna Shums

In a bid to get a larger share of the US$ 100 billion global market a three-day exposition of the Ayurveda industry began in Colombo yesterday.

Organisers said ayurveda and natural products industry is estimated to be worth over US $ 100 billion and growing at over a 10 percent rate annually and the three day mega Ayurveda exhibition is being held where local and foreign exhibitors can showcase and promote their products and services, as well as show the public what is available regarding Ayurveda healthcare in the country and overseas.

Given the strategic importance of the industry President Mahinda Rajapaksa found time to declare open the exhibition at the Sirimavo Bandaranaike Convention Centre at the BMICH. The show is on till Sunday.

Services and treatment methods practiced in Sri Lanka and other countries will also be available for the public to see.

The exhibition will showcase various sectors — Yoga, Meditation, Wellness, Nature friendly health food, Acupuncture, Homeopathy etc, Beauty care products and a host of other sectors connected with Ayurveda.



National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka (NCCSL) President Asoka Hettigoda noted that statistics regarding the developing countries were not accounted for and that there was potential for growth in Ayurveda and other herbal and natural products in the world market.

Currently subjects like yoga, vegetarian food, herbal medicines and natural health services were becoming increasingly popular among Sri Lankans and globally and that this industry was growing annually.

Even with regard to tourism more nature friendly holidays are becoming popular as well as people are also looking at more natural and herbal remedies for ailments and a better lifestyle.

In this backdrop Sri Lanka can benefit with a higher demand for herbal cures and remedies as tourists seeking herbal and Ayurvedic packages can be entertained throughout the year and not necessarily during the holiday period explained Hettigoda.

Apart from the Ayurvedic industry benefiting from more tourists seeking Ayurveda treatment, the indirect benefits will also be a boost to the economy, as these tourists will need more food, will travel and shop.

At the moment there are 16,000 Ayurveda physicians recorded by the Department of Ayurveda and plans are underway to train these Ayurveda physicians and therapists as tourists and hotels are now demanding certified practitioners for their establishments.

The ‘Ayurveda Expo’ will showcase Sri Lanka’s potential in Ayurveda which has been practised in Sri Lanka for ages.

The exhibition will have Ayurvedic products, services, growers, astrologers, yoga centres, meditation centres, food (including spices), healing jewellery as well as musicians who will play calming music. In addition, there will be five traditional Ayurveda physicians at the expo.

There will be 15-20 countries and 150 companies participating at the event.

“We want to make it the best ever Ayurveda exhibition in the world” said Hettigoda.

Commentator, Tony Greig is the international Brand Ambassador for Sri Lanka Tourism, and will be promoting the event.

The Exhibition is jointly organised by the National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka and Sri Lanka Export Development Board in association with the Ministry of Indigenous Medicine, Ministry of Economic Development, Ministry of Industry & Commerce, Ministry of External Affairs, Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority & Tourist Promotion Bureau and the National Gem & Jewellery Authority. There will also be a Symposium to be addressed by world renowned professionals.