The Cabinet of Ministers has approved a proposal to instruct the Legal Draftsman to prepare a bill to amend the Ayurveda Act No. 31 of 1961, with the aim of modernising the regulation and development of Sri Lanka’s indigenous medicine sector.

Sri Lanka’s indigenous medical sector, which comprises Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani and ‘Deshiya Chikitsa’ systems, is currently regulated and administered under the provisions of the 1961 Act.

Although the Act has been amended from time to time as required, the government has identified the need for further revisions to address current requirements and improve the effective and efficient functioning of the sector.

The proposed amendments are expected to strengthen regulatory mechanisms, facilitate the issuance of licences for the export of indigenous medicinal products, and support the continued progress and sustainable development of the traditional medicine sector.

The government has also recognised the need to introduce timely legislative changes to ensure that all activities within the sector can be carried out more efficiently and in line with contemporary requirements.

Accordingly, the Cabinet approved the proposal submitted by the Minister of Health and Mass Media to instruct the Legal Draftsman to prepare the necessary legislation to amend the Ayurveda Act No. 31 of 1961.