Aug 01, Kandy: Planting an herbal plant called "Ashoka" at the President's House in Kandy, Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa today inaugurated the National Ayurvedic Week from Aug 01 -07 to promote the ayurvedic medicines among the Sri Lankan public.

During the week several awareness programmes will be carried out to promote the traditional ayurvedic medicines and cultivation of herbal plants among the general public, the President's Media Unit announced.

The Ministry of Indigenous Medicine has successfully implemented the "Hela Weda Gedara" programme to facilitate indigenous doctors. The Ministry will also take measures to introduce better health practices in ayurvedic medical system during the week, the President's Media Unit said.

(Pictures by Sudath Silva)