Pre-Conference Workshop on Ayurveda and Indigenous Orthopedics: From Classical Knowledge to Clinical Excellence.

The Department of Ayurveda Medicine and Indigenous Medicine, Faculty of Indigenous Medicine, University of Colombo, successfully organized a pre-conference workshop titled “Ayurveda and Indigenous Orthopedics: From Classical Knowledge to Clinical Excellence” on 14 July 2026. The workshop was held from 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. at the Main Auditorium of the Faculty of Indigenous Medicine. The workshop was organized with the objective of enhancing participants’ knowledge of traditional orthopedic practices while bridging classical Ayurvedic wisdom with contemporary clinical applications.

More than 200 participants, including undergraduate students, postgraduate students, and academic staff members, attended the event. Their enthusiastic participation reflected the growing interest in preserving and advancing Sri Lanka’s rich indigenous medical heritage through academic and clinical engagement.

The workshop was conducted by the distinguished traditional physician Dr. Heen Nilame, who shared his extensive experience and expertise in indigenous orthopedic medicine. One of the highlights of the workshop was the impressive display of more than 100 medicinal plant varieties, carefully selected for their therapeutic importance in the management of orthopedic and musculoskeletal conditions.

Dr. Heen Nilame provided detailed explanations of the medicinal properties, therapeutic uses, and identification features of each plant. He also demonstrated how these plants are traditionally processed and prepared into various medicinal formulations, including herbal oils, pastes (pattu), decoctions, and other external and internal preparations commonly used in indigenous orthopedic practice. The practical demonstrations enabled participants to appreciate the significance of correct plant identification, appropriate processing techniques, and the principles underlying the preparation of effective traditional medicines.

The interactive nature of the workshop encouraged participants to engage in discussions, seek clarifications, and share their own academic and clinical experiences.

Overall, the pre-conference workshop was highly informative, practical, and academically enriching. It successfully fulfilled its objective of promoting excellence in Ayurveda and Indigenous Orthopedics by strengthening participants’ knowledge of medicinal plants, traditional formulations, and evidence-informed clinical practice. The Department of Ayurveda Medicine and Indigenous Medicine is commended for organizing this timely and valuable educational event, which significantly contributed to the professional development of students, academics, and practitioners while fostering appreciation for Sri Lanka’s indigenous medical heritage.