Abstract

Modern medicine maintains a hegemonic position not merely due to its empirical validity but also due to crucial role played by socio-cultural and political forces that integrated with the process. As in contrast to remarkable achievements, modern medicine faces a challenge in the context of social, demographic and epidemiological transition in postcolonial societies where Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) are on the increased due to non-medical courses. In this context, the main purpose of this paper is to explore competency and challenge of traditional medical systems in postcolonial Sri Lankan society to address emerging health hazards in contemporary society. The analysis of this paper is based on both primary and secondary data. A qualitative study was conducted to grasp provider perspective on the role of traditional medical systems in contemporary Sri Lanka. Findings suggest that traditional medical systems that based on Ayurveda philosophy have a greater competency to address root causes of contemporary health hazards. The paper concludes highlighting number of challenges face by traditional medical systems at the practical level.

Keywords: Health hazards; Modern medicine, Postcolonial Sri Lanka; Traditional medical systems