Bringing awareness on the quality standards of the evolving benefits of ayurvedic medicine, the Group CEO of Gunawardhana Ayurveda Holdings (Pvt) Ltd, Dr Sandun Gunawardhana, has positioned himself as a pioneer promoter of the Sri Lankan ayurvedic industry at a global level. With exponential experience as a molecular biologist with a doctorate in applied medical science from the Medical University of Vienna, Austria.

Sandun initially dedicated himself to research focusing on understanding the cellular interactions within the tumour microenvironment in breast cancer development. He also researched as a Marie Curie early-stage researcher in Trieste, Italy. Before commencing his research in Italy, he gained his MSc in Pharmacology and Biotechnology from Sheffield Hallam University in Sheffield, UK and his bachelor’s degree in Genetics from Bangalore University in India. 

Over the years, Sandun developed a strong enthusiasm for innovation and entrepreneurship, followed by an MBA from the Australian Institute of Business in Adelaide, Australia, conducted at the Oxford College of Business in Colombo, Sri Lanka. He pursued becoming an entrepreneur by contributing to the expansion of his family business initiated by his father, well renowned Ayurvedic cardiologist Dr S S Gunawardhana.

In honour of establishing the company and completing the MBA Program, Sandun was awarded the annual outstanding alumnus award by the Oxford College of Business in 2018. As a former member of the American Association of Cancer Research, Austrian Association of Molecular Life Sciences and Biotechnology, European Association of Cancer Research, a permanent member of Association of Business Executives, UK and an advisor at the University Business Linkage Cell at the Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, he stands as an illuminating pillar of strength to the company with his exceptional qualifications, experience and guidance.

The company consists of three subsidiary companies, Adhitya Ayurveda (Pvt) Ltd, Adhitya Herbal Products (Pvt) Ltd, and Gunawardhana Ayurveda Medical Centre well established in Anuradhapura, uniquely identified for their trusted services targeting the ayurvedic medicine and the testimonials proving a high patient recovery rate. Gunawardhana Ayurveda Holdings is operated and takes pride in growing their organic herbal plants and carefully selecting organic herbal raw materials to produce the most effective and high-quality medicines with utmost care at their facilities. The whole process is carried out under strict supervision, ensuring that the clients will experience the best results from their services.

In Sandun Gunawardhan’s own words, the brainchild of his father, Adhitya Ayurveda, was established to further the common goal of sharing the benefits of Ayurveda and Sri Lankan traditional medicine with the world. Located in Anuradhapura, the facility provides specialised Ayurveda & conventional medical care for all guests for a wide range of conditions, including cardiovascular diseases and Arthritis. With 24 fully air-conditioned rooms, 12 treatment rooms, dining facilities, a sauna, hot tub, and pool facilities, it is well equipped to handle all the guests’ needs. All meals provided to the guests during their stay are sourced from organic farms to provide a well-balanced diet developed especially by our physicians. The centre also firmly continues to promote environmental sustainability and maintains zero single-use plastics for day-to-day activities. Sandun has recently embarked on a new journey by establishing Adhitya Research Laboratory together with the Rajarata University of Sri Lanka to enhance the quality and efficiency of the treatments and the medicine. He emphasised, “I hope this will render credibility to our traditional medicine and gain acceptance from the global community.” 

As the Sri Lankan government aims to develop the Health Tourism Sector with the reopening of the country amidst the Covid 19 pandemic, Adithya Ayurveda being one of the most trusted destinations for Ayurveda & specialist traditional medical treatments among the Europeans, are hoping to work closely with well-known European travel partners to further and fortify the government’s decision. With great enthusiasm, the company has enhanced the range of facilities and treatments for the tourists arriving in Sri Lanka during the current pandemic while creating a safe and secure environment. This enthusiasm and dedication led the company to be awarded a safe and secure licence by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority. Furthermore, their hope to provide guests with a different experience with unique treatment plans charged with the spirit of Sri Lankan traditional medicine have created a boom in the industry, providing a remarkable experience to guests who are willing to visit Paradise Island.

As their next step, Adhitya Ayurveda has taken initiatives to promote the traditional medicine of Sri Lanka in Germany to attract potential tourists seeking rejuvenation and treatments for their ailments. They are identifying Germany as a potential hub in central Europe, carrying the best potential tourism market to promote the Health Tourism of Sri Lanka. In this effort, they have partnered with an organisation in Germany, Sathya Life Balance GmbH and its Managing Director, Prasad Buwanekabahu. The latter have been working together for more than a decade with a common goal of introducing and establishing miraculous traditional medicine to the world. This effort is made to develop tourism in Sri Lanka and ultimately contribute to the country’s economic development.