The field of indigenous medicine is a highly knowledge-rich field that plays an important role in the health system of Sri Lanka. It is nourished by aspects of (Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, and Deshiya Chikithsa) and now includes alternative medicine such as Homoeopathy.

After independence, the Constitution No. 49 of 1949 amended the Indigenous Ordinance Act, the Department of Indigenous Medicine was established in 1957, the Ayurveda Act No. 31 of 1961 was passed, and a new Ministry for Indigenous Medicine was established in 1980. In 1994, this became a Cabinet Ministry. developed.