The inauguration of the third intake of the Certificate in Herbal Cosmetic Product Development, the second intake of the Certificate Course in Acupuncture, and the third intake of the Basic Principles of Ayurveda Dietary Regimens was successfully held at the Mini Auditorium of the Faculty of Indigenous Medicine, University of Colombo. This event marked the formal commencement of the new academic batches.

Professor S.K.M.K. Herapathdeniya, Head of the Department of Ayurveda Pharmacology, Pharmaceutics and Community Medicine, opened the ceremony with a warm welcome to the distinguished guests, faculty members, and newly enrolled students. Following this, Professor Pathirage Kamal Perera, Dean of the Faculty of Indigenous Medicine, addressed the audience, emphasizing the significance of these certificate programs in fostering professional growth and advancing practical expertise in traditional and complementary medicine.

The event was honored by the presence of Mr. Wang Li, President of the International postgraduate students association, University of Colombo, who served as the Guest of Honour. In his keynote speech, he highlighted the increasing global appreciation for herbal-based product development within the wellness industry.

Dr. Indira Kahawita, Consultant Dermatologist at the National Hospital of Sri Lanka, delivered a special guest lecture focusing on the intersection of dermatological science and herbal cosmetics. She raised awareness about the risks associated with commercial skin whitening products containing unregulated or harmful ingredients and stressed the importance of scientifically validated, safe herbal alternatives for skincare.

Professor Kaumadi Karunagoda, Head of the Department of Ayurveda Surgery, ENT, Ophthalmology, Gynecology, Obstetrics, and Pediatrics, also addressed the gathering, commending the initiative to offer specialized programs that integrate traditional Ayurvedic knowledge with modern research.

Course handbooks were then distributed to the participants, officially launching the academic journey. The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks by Professor S.P. Molligoda, Head of the Department of Basic Principles, Ayurveda Anatomy, and Physiology, who expressed heartfelt appreciation to all attendees and contributors.

An orientation session followed, introducing new students to the course structure, objectives, and expectations. The event was coordinated by Dr. L.D.R. De Silva (Acupuncture), Dr. K.N.A. Dharmasena (Herbal Cosmetic Product Development), and Dr. S. Weerasekara (Ayurveda Dietary Regimens).