Field Visit to Mihintale, Anuradhapura, Medirigiriya, and Polonnaruwa
A two-day academic field visit was conducted on the 28th and 29th of April 2025 to Mihintale, Anuradhapura, Medirigiriya, and Polonnaruwa as part of the subject Ayurveda Itihasa (History of Ayurveda) curriculum for First Professional BAMS students (2022/2023). The visit was organized by the Department of Basic Principles, Ayurveda Anatomy and Physiology of the Faculty of Indigenous Medicine, University of Colombo.
The primary objective of the visit was to enrich students’ understanding of the historical foundations of Ayurveda through direct exposure to key archaeological and heritage sites. The program included visits to ancient hospital complexes at Mihintale, Medirigiriya, and the Alahana Pirivena complex; archaeological museums displaying ancient surgical tools, medicinal troughs (Beheth Oru), and Janthaghara; and epigraphs linked to the traditional medical system of Sri Lanka. Students also observed historical water drainage, conservation, and sanitation systems that supported healthcare practices in ancient times. These sites are preserved and maintained by the Department of Archaeology and the Central Cultural Fund.
A total of 148 students, accompanied by academic and non-academic staff of the Department, actively participated in this immersive educational experience. The field visit successfully fostered historical awareness, cultural appreciation, and critical thinking, effectively bridging classroom knowledge with Sri Lanka’s rich Ayurvedic legacy.
The Department extends its sincere gratitude to the Faculty of Indigenous Medicine and the University of Colombo administration, the Department of Archaeology, the Central Cultural Fund, museum and site staff, and all academic and non-academic members and students whose collective efforts ensured the success of this field visit.
