The Ministry of Health has launched a national certification program for Ayurvedic wellness centers, aiming to establish Sri Lanka as the world’s premier destination for authentic traditional medicine experiences.
The Certification Standard
The new “Sri Lanka Authentic Ayurveda” certification will evaluate centers on practitioner qualifications, treatment authenticity, herbal medicine sourcing, and facility standards. Only certified centers will be promoted through official tourism channels.
Over 200 wellness centers across the island have applied for certification in the initial round, with the first batch expected to receive approval by mid-2026.
Growing Market
Wellness tourism already accounts for approximately 8% of Sri Lanka’s total tourism revenue, with visitors from Germany, Japan, and Australia forming the largest segments. The government aims to increase this share to 15% by 2028.
Average spending by wellness tourists is significantly higher than general tourists, at approximately $280 per day compared to $142 for standard visitors.