INAUGURATION OF FOUR CERTIFICATE COURSES, FACULTY OF INDIGENOUS MEDICINE, UNIVERSITY OF COLOMBO
The Faculty of Indigenous Medicine, University of Colombo, ceremonially inaugurated four certificate courses on 01 August 2026 at the Mini Auditorium of the Faculty. It marked the commencement of four new certificate programme intakes, with around 90 new participants, aimed at enhancing professional knowledge and practical skills in complementary healthcare disciplines.
The newly inaugurated programmes were:
- Certificate Course in Acupuncture (3rd Intake)
- Certificate in Herbal Cosmetic Product Development (4th Intake)
- Certificate Course in Yoga Therapy (7th Intake)
- Certificate Course in Massage Therapy (12th Intake)
The ceremony commenced with the National Anthem, followed by the traditional lighting of the oil lamp. The welcome address was delivered by Professor A.P.A. Jayasiri, Head of the Department of Ayurveda Pharmacology, Pharmaceutics and Community Medicine. The gathering was then addressed by Professor S.P. Molligoda, Dean of the Faculty of Indigenous Medicine, who warmly welcomed the new entrants and emphasized the faculty’s continued commitment to providing quality professional education through certificate programmes that respond to emerging healthcare needs.
A guest address was delivered by Mr. Buddhika Hewawasam, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, who highlighted the growing importance of wellness tourism and the increasing demand for professionally trained practitioners in complementary healthcare fields.
The programme also featured a guest address by Dr. L.D.A.M. Arawwawala, Director of the Pharmaceutical Laboratory, Industrial Technology Institute (ITI), who joined the ceremony virtually via Zoom. In her address, she emphasized the importance of scientific research, quality assurance, and innovation in herbal product development, while encouraging participants to integrate evidence-based practices into Indigenous Medicine.
Following the guest speeches, handbooks were distributed to newly enrolled participants. The ceremony concluded with the Vote of Thanks delivered by Dr. W.A.S.S. Weerakoon, Head of the Department of Ayurveda Surgery, ENT, Ophthalmology and Gynaecology, Obstetrics and Paediatrics, followed by refreshments. An orientation programme for the newly enrolled students was conducted thereafter.
The Faculty of Indigenous Medicine extends its sincere congratulations to all new entrants and wishes them every success in their academic and professional journeys. Through these certificate programmes, the faculty continues its mission of promoting lifelong learning, professional excellence, and the advancement of Indigenous Medicine and complementary healthcare in Sri Lanka.
