News
10 palm-leaf manuscript collections digitised and preserved
A new digital initiative to document and preserve Sri Lanka’s traditional medical knowledge, practices and medical lineages was launched last Tuesday (18), with the unveiling of the TMK computer software, 10 collections of palm-leaf manuscripts and a new museum at the Bandaranaike Memorial Ayurvedic Research Institute.
The initiative aims to conduct a census of traditional medical practitioners and computerise information on their knowledge and inherited medical traditions. It also envisages establishing a national register and online platform covering traditional medical lineages and the treatment practices unique to them.
Officials said the digital system would help preserve valuable medical knowledge that has traditionally been passed down through personal memory, family traditions and limited written records.
The project is also expected to provide a resource for researchers and academics studying Sri Lanka’s traditional medicine.
Ten collections of historically significant palm-leaf manuscripts held by the research institute were unveiled as part of the programme. The manuscripts contain traditional treatment methods, medicinal formulas and other medical knowledge, making them important records of the country’s medical and intellectual heritage.
A museum established at the institute’s Literature Research Division was also opened to preserve and display ancient medical and cultural artefacts for the public, medical professionals and researchers.
The initiative was launched under the patronage of Commissioner General of Ayurveda Deepthi Sumanasena, with the participation of institute officials, Ayurvedic practitioners and researchers, including Institute Director Dr. A.S.C. Peiris.
Officials said the programme would help safeguard the country’s traditional medical heritage in a modern digital environment for future generations.
A meeting between UN Resident Coordinator Marc-André Franche and Chief of Staff to the President Prabath Chandrakeerthi was held on Monday (07) morning at the Presidential Secretariat.
Particular attention was given to the Government’s programme to resettle people who lost their homes due to Cyclone Ditwah.
The Government’s programme to address potential disasters that may arise in the future amid El Nino conditions was also discussed. The Chief of Staff to the President briefed the UN Resident Coordinator on the Government’s preparedness and plans to address such challenges.
Mr Franche stated that the United Nations was prepared to provide the necessary assistance to the Government to support the successful implementation of these programmes.
Partnerships and Development Finance Specialist at the United Nations Azam Bakeer Markar and UN Sri Lanka Humanitarian and Resilience Officer Wagisha Perera also participated in the discussion.
[President’s Media Division]
[ Cricbuzz]
The Indian Naval Ship (INS) Udaygiri arrived at the Port of Colombo on an official visit today, 8 September 2026, where it was received by the Sri Lanka Navy in accordance with time-
honoured naval traditions.
INS Udaygiri is a 149.02m long Frigate, Commanded by Captain Vikas Sood. Meanwhile, the Commanding Officer of the visiting ship is scheduled to call on Commander Western Naval
Area, Rear Admiral Harsha De Silva at the Western Naval Command Headquarters.
Captain Sood served as the Defence Adviser at the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka from July 2020 to October 2023.
During their stay in the island, the crew of INS Udaygiri will participate in several goodwill events organized by the Sri Lanka Navy to enhance camaraderie between the two forces.
The visiting personnel are also scheduled to visit prominent tourist and cultural locations across the island.
Additionally, Sri Lanka Navy personnel are expected to visit the ship for capability observation and knowledge sharing, and will conduct onboard training during its stay.
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