Unilever Sri Lanka’s flagship Ayurveda brand, Lever Ayush joined hands with the Department of Ayurveda as a main partner for the recently held “Wedaduru Abhiman, Presidential Ayurveda Award Ceremony” which was organised for the first time in history by the Department of Ayurveda under the Ministry of Health. Wedaduru Abhiman is a program that recognizes the outstanding contributions of Ayurvedic medicine practitioners and aims to promote Ayurvedic and indigenous medicine in Sri Lanka.

Held at the BMICH, this national event was graced by the Chief Guest of the evening, Prime Minister Hon. Dinesh Gunawardena, Speaker of the House, Hon Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, Minister of Health Hon. Keheliya Rambukwella, State Minister of Indigenous Medicine, Hon. Sisira Jayakody, State Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs, Hon. Rohana Dissanayake and the Commissioner of Ayurveda, Dr. Dhammika Abeygunawardane. The winners were awarded with certificates and a prestigious title for each winner while Lever Ayush went on to reward the top three winners of Traditional and Degree holder categories.

The Department of Ayurveda plays a key role in promoting indigenous medicine and preserving age-old traditional systems of medicine for future generations. It acts as a catalyst in providing healthcare, especially to rural areas of the country that integrates Ayurvedic and traditional indigenous medicine.

Commenting on the awards ceremony, Dr. M.D.J Abeygunawardana, Commissioner of Ayurveda said, “We are truly delighted to show our appreciation for the dedicated practitioners of Ayurvedic medicine who not only look after the wellbeing of patients but also ensure the longevity of ayurvedic medicine practices. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Lever Ayush for partnering with us as we embark on this journey to uplift the Ayurvedic medicine industry.”

Shamara Silva, Marketing Director – Beauty & Wellbeing and Personal Care of Unilever Sri Lanka shared her thoughts, “We at Unilever Sri Lanka value the importance of ayurvedic medicine in the country, and national events of this calibre can support the growth of this heritage industry. Ayurvedic medicine a renowned traditional system of medicine, which is increasingly being sought-after by people around the world. As such, we are indeed proud to partner with the Department of Ayurveda to honour the legacy of Sri Lankan Ayurveda experts at the Wedaduru Abiman Presidential Ayurveda Awards Ceremony, further emphasizing on our commitment to preserving and promoting this esteemed ancient practice”.

Today, consumers are keen on prioritizing their health and wellbeing with an increasing interest towards indigenous medicine practices. A national platform like “Wedaduru Abhiman” has vast potential to empower existing ayurvedic medicine practitioners and help upcoming medicine practitioners to build their careers and receive the due recognition they deserve.

Launched in 2018, Lever Ayush offers an exclusive range of Ayurveda inspired products that preserve the hygiene and beauty of consumers. Registered with Department of Ayurveda and NMRA, Lever Ayush consumer reach has doubled since launch. The products are manufactured at Unilever Sri Lanka’s factory in Horana, subject to monitoring by an Ayurveda medical doctor.