The Cultural Event Conducted During the Orientation Programme for New Entrants (Academic Year 2023/2024) – Ayurveda & Unani

As an integral component of the Orientation Programme for the academic year 2023/2024, the Faculty of Indigenous Medicine orchestrated a culturally enriching event aimed at fostering a sense of community, cultural appreciation, and holistic well-being among new entrants from the Ayurveda and Unani streams. The event was conducted on 30.05.2025 at 10.100 am onwards at the main auditorium of the Faculty of indigenous Medicine, University of Colombo under the theme “Mayura Raksha,” a concept collaboratively chosen by the students, which embodies protection, peace, harmony, and prosperity.

The program commenced with the traditional lighting of the oil lamp, symbolizing enlightenment and new beginnings. The inaugural address was delivered by the Dean, Professor Pathirage Kamal Perera, who articulated the importance of cultural engagement and the role of extracurricular activities in promoting students’ overall well-being. He emphasized that active participation in aesthetic and physical activities, such as involvement in the Faculty’s Art Circle and Sports Club, enhances discipline, personal growth, and balances academic pursuits with holistic health. Students from both streams demonstrated their talents through a variety of performances, including traditional dance, singing, drama, as well as stage arrangements and decorations, thereby highlighting different aspects of their abilities. The event culminated in joint cultural performances by Ayurveda and Unani students, symbolizing shared values, mutual respect, and the collaborative spirit that underpins their academic journey. The cultural event, conducted with a vote of thanks and successfully achieved its primary objectives of fostering cultural appreciation, promoting unity among students from diverse academic streams, and encouraging holistic development. The event’s emphasis on traditional values and cultural expressions contributed to creating an inclusive and engaging environment that reinforced the significance of community, mutual respect, and cultural identity among new entrants.

The orientation program and the cultural event coordinated by Dr.KNA Dharmasena, Dr. AFM Joonus with the assistance of Dr.S.Weerasekara and Dr.FN Jamaldeen.