Sri Lanka’s Siddhalepa extends ayurvedic wellness to the UAE
Daily FT: Siddhalepa, the globally acclaimed Ayurveda-based wellness brand, has unveiled its presence in the Middle East, particularly in the United Arab Emirates.
This auspicious occasion celebrated on 9 May at the Pullman Hotel, Diera, Dubai, signifies a new era of holistic wellness in the region.
The launch event commenced with a warm welcome address by Sri Lankan Business Council in Dubai and Northern Emirates representee Shihan Sherif setting the tone for an evening of cultural significance and health advocacy.
Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to the UAE Udaya Indrarathna reminisced about the historical importance of Siddhalepa in Sri Lankan households, emphasising its profound impact on generations. His insights shed light on the brand’s legacy and its transformative potential in the UAE.
Sri Lanka’s Consul General to UAE Alexi Gunasekare delivered an insightful address, enhancing on the shared values and commitment to holistic wellness between Sri Lanka and the UAE.
Ayurveda Ratna, the Hettigoda Group Chairman Asoka Hettigoda captivated the audience with an illuminating presentation, showcasing the Hettigoda Family heritage and the brand’s extensive range of over 150 Ayurveda medicines and wellness products.
The Hettigoda Group has deep roots in Ayurveda – Hela Wedakama, the indigenous system of curative and preventative medicine in the country spanning over 200 years. The story of Siddhalepa originates from Walpola, Imaduwa, a remote village in the Galle District, in the deep south of Sri Lanka. Dr. Hendrick De Silva Hettigoda, a well-known kidney specialist and an astrologer, produced Sri Lanka’s first commercial Ayurvedic product, Siddhalepa Balm in 1934. His son, Deshabandu Dr. Victor Hettigoda, Litt.D was given the rights of Siddhalepa balm in 1972 and he expanded the product range and introduced international standards.
Hettigoda Group, established by Deshabandu Dr. Victor Hettigoda, has evolved into a global beacon of Ayurveda excellence, with a legacy starting from humble beginnings to international acclaim. Siddhalepa’s journey embodies the essence of holistic wellness, enriching lives across continents having launched clinics, Ayurveda hospitals and resorts and a wide variety of products available to the public in countries outside of Sri Lanka such as Germany, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Maldives and now the UAE.
OSL take:
Sri Lanka’s manufacturing and export sectors are on a steady growth path with the expansion of locally manufactured products in foreign markets. Local authorities are also engaged in promoting local products in traditional as well as new foreign markets while also pushing local manufacturers to expand their product portfolios. The many trade agreements and concessions enjoyed by Sri Lanka with other countries that are to be further expanded by the country have supported the country’s exports sector while on the other hand, the many incentive schemes presented by the Sri Lankan government have supported the country’s manufacturing sector. However, there’s a growing demand for locally manufactured ayurvedic and ayurveda based products have seen a growth in the export market. All these movements indicate a steady growth in the business/investment opportunities in Sri Lanka’s exports and manufacturing sectors. With the steady growth in these sectors and the expanding business potential are indicative of the business/investment opportunities presented by the manufacturing and export sectors to foreign businesses/investors.