To strengthen academic research in clinical product development with Ayurveda and herbal industry partners, seven Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) were signed between the Faculty of Indigenous Medicine (FIM) and industrial parties on the 8th of July 2024. The event took place at the College House Premises, in the presence of the Vice Chancellor Senior Professor (Chair) H.D. Karunarathne, Dean of the Faculty of Indigenous Medicine Professor Pathirage Kamal Perera, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine Professor Vidya Jothi Prof. Vajira H.W.Dissanayake, the Registrar of the University, Coordinator of the Unit of Research and Development of Natural Products (URDNP) Professor S.D.Hapuarachchi, Secretary of URDNP Dr. Jeevani Dahanayake, legal officers and other staff members. Industries were represented by Managing Directors and their research and development team members, who engaged in discussions highlighting the potential for collaborative innovation and shared their visions for future projects.
The URDNP aims to build a strategic alliance of academics, relevant government authorities, pharmaceutical industry firms, and other interest groups to participate in research and development dialogue and evolve strategic development processes for the research, development, and commercialization of natural products (Read More on URDNP: https://fim.cmb.ac.lk/urdnp). The faculty welcomes private and public sector participation in research and development with this unit to develop quality, clinically proven herbal and Ayurveda products in the future. This initiative will strengthen global acceptance and standards of Ayurveda and herbal medicine systems and ensure the safe, rational use of clinically tested herbal/Ayurveda medicines in Sri Lanka.
In a landmark move towards global academic cooperation, the University of Colombo (UOC) and Banaras Hindu University (BHU) have formalized a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), marking a significant advancement in the field of Ayurveda education in the Faculty of Indigenous Medicine, University of Colombo. The agreement, signed on 28th August 2023, emphasizes the shared commitment of both institutions to enhance the study of Ayurveda and traditional systems of medicine.
Further extended to the above programme on 08th August 2024, Prof. P. K. Goswami, Dean of the Faculty of Ayurveda, BHU, India, and Prof. C. S. Panday- Department of Ayurveda Siddantha, BHU visited the University of Colombo to discuss progress and future tasks of the signed MOU. The meeting was chaired by Prof. H.D. Karunarathna, Vice Chancellor, University of Colombo, and coordinated by Prof. P.K. Perera, Dean, Faculty of Indigenous Medicine, UOC. Further Associate Prof. S,D, Hapuarachchi , Coordinator of the Unit of Research and Development of Natural Products, FIM-UOC, and Dr. J.M. Dahanayake, secretary of the Unit of Research and Development of Natural Products, FIM-UOC participated in discuss future research collaborations.
The newly formed partnership promises to foster an exchange of pedagogical practices, enrich the academic resources available to students and researchers, and enhance the global understanding of Ayurveda and traditional medicinal systems. Through this collaboration, both universities aim to cultivate a deeper appreciation and knowledge of their respective Traditional systems of medicine, thereby contributing to the holistic advancement of the field.
In a significant step toward enhancing academic research and clinical product development, the Faculty of Indigenous Medicine (FIM) has officially entered two Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with leading industry partners. The agreements, signed on September 11, 2025, mark a major milestone in fostering innovation and development within Sri Lanka’s Ayurveda and herbal medicine sectors.
The signing ceremony took place at the College House premises and was graced by a number of distinguished guests, including Vice Chancellor Professor Indika Mahesh Karunathilake, Dean of the Faculty of Indigenous Medicine Professor Pathirage Kamal Perera, and the Registrar. Also in attendance were the coordinator and members of the Unit of Research and Development of Natural Products (URDNP), legal officers, staff members, and representatives from the partnering industries.
These strategic partnerships are expected to play a pivotal role in promoting scientific research, clinical trials, and product innovation in the herbal pharmaceutical sector. The initiative underscores the growing global interest in traditional medicine and highlights Sri Lanka’s rich heritage in Ayurveda and indigenous medical practices.
By bridging academic expertise with industry capabilities, the Faculty of Indigenous Medicine aims to contribute meaningfully to national healthcare advancement and position Sri Lanka as a hub for herbal and Ayurvedic research on the international stage.
