Use of Information Communication Technologies for the Conservation and the Propagation of Sri Lankan Indigenous Medicine

Abstract

Sri Lankan Indigenous Medicine (IM) is a science of from its existence. It is not a transmission of theoretical knowledge, but a practical set of rules, norms and a proper knowledge system that help to preserve and maintain the well-being of the body and the soul of people. Dissemination of Indigenous Medical knowledge through modern ICT while preserving it with latest technological know-how is time important. Accordingly, the research will be an exploratory study of the uses of ICT for the preservation and the propagation of indigenous medicine in Sri Lanka. The main purpose of this paper is to study the role of ICT in the preservation and dissemination of indigenous medical knowledge in Sri Lanka. In addition to that, the study focusses on identifying the attitude of IM doctors towards the use of information technology for the conservation and propagation of Sri Lankan indigenous medical knowledge, identifying information technology issues facing in conservation and propagation of IM, exploring traditional medical generations and genealogies in Sri Lanka, studying the measures to be taken by the government for the conservation and propagation of Sri Lankan indigenous medical knowledge and examining its current strategies for conservation and propagation. In this study, the selected key IM generations using the latest information technology initiatives will be surveyed and focus will be given for the latest trends in propagation for indigenous medical knowledge and methods for conservation of indigenous medicine. This method used a survey method based on the qualitative research which is a peer reviewed study on the use of ICT strategies for the conservation and propagation of indigenous medicine. Generations of doctors in Sri Lanka in the subject will be used as the sample. Data will be collected using snowball sampling, comprised of 10 each. Data collection is done through interviews and observation. Data are collected through interviews under the chief medical practioners.