¹Samarakoon SMS ,²RathnayakeAbey, ³Herapathdeniya SKMK , ⁴Amarasiri RMDA

 DOI : http://dx.doi.org/10.31142/ijahm/v11i3.01

^1,3Senior Lecturer-I, Institute of Indigenous Medicine, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka,

²Senior Lecturer –I, Department of Sociology, Faculty of Arts, University of  Peradeniya, Sri Lanka,

 ⁴Temporary Demonstrator, Institute of Indigenous Medicine, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka.

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Abstract:-

Sri Lanka had diverse forms of indigenous medicine for preserving well-being of the ancient society and a rich intangible cultural heritage associated with traditional knowledge coming from throughout the history.  Sri Lankan Indigenous Medicine (SLIM) or Deshiya Chikitsa is a national heritage coming over centuries based on a series of ancient indigenous medical literature.  The objective of this study was to explore the challenges and recommendations for the conservation of Sri Lankan Indigenous Medicine. The sample of the physicians was selected using purposive sampling method. Qualitative data collection methods were used and data were analyzed by Correlation Analysis under Chi Square test using SPSS statistical software. The Moneragala district in the Uva province of Sri Lanka was selected for this study as its territory is rich of different indigenous medical traditions and also endemic medicinal plants. The attitudes of indigenous physicians, not being documented of IM, commercialization of the society, endangering medicinal plants and not being developed as a profession affected conservation of IM. In statistical analysis, alternative hypotheses of above factors were accepted in highly significant manner (p<0.001). Based on the above results, the recommendation made in this study may provide road map to researchers for planning their strategies in conservation, sustainable use and empowering indigenous physicians.

Keywords:-  Sri Lankan Indigenous Medicine, Deshiya  Chikitsa, Challenges, Deterioration, Conservation

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