SIDDHALEPA ENTERS GCC WITH SRI LANKAN AUTHENTIC INDEGENOUS MEDICAL TREATMENT AND PRODUCTS

The first ever promotion of Sri Lankan Indigenous medical system, `Hela Wedakama-Ayurveda` was launched in United Arab Emirates by the leading Sri Lankan traditional Ayurveda company, Siddhalepa Ayurveda at Novotel Hotel, World Trade Center, Dubai at the Arab Travel Mart 2024.

The launch was initiated by Siddhalepa Ayurveda Health Resort as the kick-off session of the awareness campaign targeting the health-conscious travelers of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. A special promotional campaign is planned with the partnership of SriLankan Airlines, travel trade and Media partners of GCC to reach the length and breadth of GCC region.

The expectation of present international visitor has been expanded beyond the typical holidays and the travelling for medical or holistic wellbeing has become a boom at present. Thus, this initiative entails enormous `healthy` results for the medical-traveler who is exploring on alternative medical treatments.

The main presentation of the session was conducted by Ayurveda Ratna, Mr. Asoka Hettigoda the Chairman and Managing Director of Siddhalepa Ayurveda Health Resort (As well as Hettigoda Group of Companies). Mr. Hettigoda explained how Siddhalepa grew from the grass-root level and entered the Switzerland first in 1934. Further, he added presently Siddhalepa has attracted visitors from various parts of the world while exporting its authentic Ayurveda products to more than 40 countries.

Currently, Siddhalepa Ayurveda Health Resort aided by Siddhalepa Hospital is patronized by the visitors not only for their relaxation treatment but also medicament for various body abnormalities.

The launch was well attended by 45 professionals comprising Arabian travel trade members and media based in the GCC region. The Arabic travel trade members commended that they are happy to hear about the efforts to promote medical tourism by Siddhalepa. Several travel companies added that Sri Lanka should continue these kinds sessions as it will be helpful for them promote and sell Ayurveda packages in the region. Some expressed their willingness to experience Sri Lankan authentic Ayurveda treatment. Siddhalepa Ayurveda Health Resort has also planned to conduct a series of familiarization visits for the travel trade and media of the GCC region in the coming months.

Australia`s Market Development Facility (MDF) collaborated with Siddhalepa to support its expansion into growing frontier markets in the GCC region, marking a significant move towards diversifying the source markets for Sri Lanka`s wellness tourism industry. Following the successful launch at the 2024 ATM, Siddhalepa and MDF will continue to work together on advancing and executing marketing and promotion efforts around the new market entry and growth. The special promotion is expected to target Saudi Arabia, UAE, Abu Dhabi, Qatar and Oman.

Sri Lankan Counsel General to UAE, Hon. Alexi Gunasekara addressed the session and highlighted how the Siddhalepa became a leading Ayurveda brand of Sri Lanka entered the global markets. Further, he added that Siddhalepa is rendering invaluable service through its dedicated Ayurveda Hospital, Ayurveda resort and products not only to the Sri Lankan nation but also to the world.

Mr. Dushan Wickramasooriya, Director Marketing of Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, added that Sri Lanka Tourism highly appreciate the efforts by Siddhalepa as the leading Sri Lankan traditional Ayurveda company and this promotion is planned at a time that the medical tourism has become a vital segment in Sri Lankan economy as well.

As the founder of Siddhalepa Ayurveda, the Ayurveda Kidney Specialist and Astrologer, Dr. Hendrick De Silva produced the first commercial Ayurveda product, Siddhalepa Balm in 1934. Thereafter, his son, considered as the “Father of Modern Ayurveda of Sri Lanka”, Deshabandu Dr. Victor Hettigoda, Litt.D. made Siddhalepa balm the leading product in the indigenous medicine sector of Sri Lanka. Today, Siddhalepa name has become synonymous with Sri Lankan Ayurveda. Possessing an Ayurveda family heritage exceeding 200 years, Siddhalepa Ayurveda is yet to reach its fullest potential on using its Ayurveda heritage and has planned many expansion activities in the GCC region.