Tradmed-ex International – 2017-Sri Lanka: Brain storming session
International Conference on Traditional Medicine, Educational Exhibition &Trade Fair– 2017
Organized by the Ministry of Health, Nutrition and Indigenous Medicine, @ 23th, 24th& 25th November 2017, Waters Edge, In Collaboration with University of Sri Jayewardenepura And World Health Organization
A preliminary Brain Storming Session of “Tradmed-ex International – 2017” was held at Ministry of Health, Nutrition and Indigenous Medicine, with the participation of Hon. Minister Dr. Rajitha Senaratne, the Minister of Health Nutrition and Indigenous Medicine & Hon. Minister Susil Premajayantha, the Minister of Science, Technology and Research, on the 25th April 2017.
The session was organized by Mr. S. Janaka Sri Chandraguptha, Additional Secretary (Development) and Prof. Ranil de Silva, Director, Interdisciplinary Center for Innovation in Biotechnology and Neuroscience, University of Sri Jayewardenepura and Co-Chair Tradmed-ex International – 2017 with the aim of getting opinions of the stakeholders on designing a successful Tradmed-ex International- 2017-Sri Lanka, “The International Conference of Traditional Medicine, Educational Exhibition & Trade Fair– 2017”, which is scheduled for the 23rd, 24th& 25th November 2017, at Waters Edge, Battaramulla.
The attendees of the session included practitioners, stakeholders of Indigenous Medical Systems, academics, scientists, researchers, industrialists, and representatives from World Health Organization (WHO), The Export Development Board (EDB), Tourist Board of Sri Lanka and the Chamber of Commerce. During the session, Prof. Ranil de Silva highlighted that Sri Lanka is far behind in Research and Development in relation to herbal medicine and products with evidence based practices as compared to its neighboring countries in the region. In his statements he also mentioned that it is mainly due to the lack of “Evidence Based Medicine”,Multidisciplinary Research Collaboration, Public Private Partnerships and Reluctance of the practitioners to pass on the “Paramparika Medicine” to the next generation. Furthermore he declared that Tradmed-ex will be a platform to overcome these drawbacks.
Hon. Minister Susil Premajayantha stated that Ministry of Science and Technology and Research, focusing on many areas such as, Space technology, Nano Technology and Bio Technology. As a result, Ministry of Science And Technology and Research at present is in research collaboration with Berea College, USA and Maharagama Cancer Hospital. Hon Minster in his address stated that the Science and Technological knowledge will be gathered not only from Sri Lanka but also from other countries. He pledged help and assistance of the Ministry of Science and Technology and Research to make this endeavor great success.
Hon. Minster also mentioned when Prof. de Silva approached him and shared his thoughts about this International conference he was very impressed and In order to gain national awareness both Ministers agreed to establish a Trilateral Cabinet Memorandum with the union of Ministry of Health Nutrition and Indigenous Medicine, Ministry of Science and Technology and Ministry of Higher Education for the further development of Integrative medicine, linking the line ministries with University of Sri Jayewardenepura.
The cabinet memorandum will be drafted by Prof. Ranil de Silva. Hon. Minister Dr. Rajitha Senaratne in his talk emphasized the need of moving towards Integrative and personalized medicine and the significance of Sri Lankan traditional medicine for achieving optimal health among our nation. Hon. Minister stated when he met the Honorable Indian Prime Minister at Ayurveda Conference, held in Kerala, the Hon.Prime Minister of India has given the assurance to give fullest support for the success of this conference. He also mentioned that WHO will provide technical and financial assistance for the conference. Hon. Minister stated that indigenous medicine, Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Acupuncture, Homeopathy, Osteopathy, Naturopathy, Gasan therapy, Aroma therapy, Reflexology, Hydro therapy, Reiki, Korean treatment and Massage therapy, Yoga & Meditation, Gampo, Alexandra techniques, Japanese, Thai medicine and ENC that they all be part of the conference . Hon. Minister is expecting 500 Exhibitors in the Trade Fair. Also he addressed that SriLankan’s lack of knowledge about the values of Traditional Medical System of SriLanka, research pace is slow and the National scientists are not recognized. Thus this International Conference will be a platform to study about new technologies, share and gain knowledge from World class Scientists and professionals., , stated that they are targeting US $ 0.5 Million through R&D, which will be used in establishing research collaborations. Furthermore Dr. Nalika Gunawardena, National Professional Officer, World Health Organization Country Office for Sri Lanka, pointed out that WHO will facilitate a Colombo declaration to be issued at Ministerial level, in related to the conference which would commit the participating countries to implement important outcomes of the Conference. As a drive force, investors from private sectors stated they are committed to give their support for Tradmed-ex International 2017. Especially, the EDB highlighted their contribution for trade fair and representatives from National Chamber of Commerce were also perpetrated their contribution. Tradmed-ex international 2017, website has been launched and can be viewed shortly. Stay tuned for the latest updates.
