Intake breakdown by degree
About
🎓 Overview
The Gampaha Wickramarachchi Ayurveda Institute is one of the oldest and most respected institutions for Ayurveda education in Sri Lanka. It is located in Yakkala, near Gampaha, about 30 km from Colombo.
The institute was originally established in 1928 by the renowned Ayurvedic physician Pandith G. P. Wickramarachchi.
Over time, it became a key center for indigenous medicine and was later upgraded into the Gampaha Wickramarachchi University of Indigenous Medicine in 2021, expanding its academic scope.
🏫 Academic Structure
The institute (and now university faculty) focuses on Ayurveda and indigenous medical education. Its main academic areas include:
Ayurveda basic principles (Muladarma)
Clinical medicine (Cikitsa)
Herbal medicine (Dravyaguna)
Surgery & ENT-related Ayurveda (Shalya Shalakya)
Pediatrics & gynecology (Kaumarabruthya & Stree Roga)
The flagship degree program is:
Bachelor of Ayurveda Medicine and Surgery (BAMS)
A 5-year academic program + 1-year internship in hospitals
🌟 Reputation
The institute is widely known for:
Being a pioneer in Ayurveda education in Sri Lanka
Having a long historical legacy in indigenous medicine
Producing qualified Ayurvedic doctors for the national healthcare system
It is considered one of the leading institutions for traditional medicine in the country.
🏥 Clinical Training
A key strength is its connection with the Gampaha Wickramarachchi Ayurveda Teaching Hospital, which provides:
Practical clinical training for students
Ayurvedic treatments using natural and herbal methods
Both outpatient and inpatient care
This integration of education + hospital training is essential for medical students.
🔬 Research & Facilities
The institute includes:
Research and publication units
Herbal gardens for medicinal plant study
Laboratories and libraries
Medical education and training units
Research mainly focuses on:
Herbal medicine
Traditional healing practices
Indigenous healthcare systems
🌿 Campus & Environment
The main campus is in Yakkala, with:
Academic and administrative buildings
Herbal gardens (for practical learning)
A calm, nature-oriented environment suited for Ayurveda studies
👩⚕️ Student Life
Student life includes:
Medical training and hospital exposure
Cultural and traditional learning environment
Residential and academic facilities
Students follow a rigorous medical-style curriculum, similar in intensity to other medical degrees.
✅ Summary
The Gampaha Wickramarachchi Ayurveda Institute is a historic and specialized medical institute focused on Ayurveda and indigenous medicine.
With its long tradition, strong clinical training, and evolution into a full university, it remains a key institution for training Ayurvedic doctors in Sri Lanka and preserving the country’s traditional medical heritage.