Preservation and publication of Tamil ola leaf medicinal manuscripts in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Tamil ola leaves manuscripts are available among traditional physicians all over the country. The number of ola leaves in one`s possession is an indicator of traditional physician`s reputation. Many of these Tamil and Muslim physicians interpret texts from Tamil ola leaves manuscripts in their clinical practice. However, some Tamil and Muslim traditional practitioners keep such manuscripts in their possession without using them, which can adversely affect the preservation of traditions in this system of medicine. The present trend of awareness on preservation of ola manuscripts is of greater significance in the conservation of traditional medical system with a sense of purity of traditional techniques. Digitalized publications of manuscripts are only available in few places such as Provincial Department of Indigenous Medicine, North Eastern Province and University of Jaffna. This study, therefore, suggests a project to preserve these manuscripts. The study also recommends state sector intervention and appropriate rewarding system in the process of preservation of these manuscripts. Such efforts must be par with Intellectual Property Right (IPR) and national policies in preservation of endemic resources.