In a historic gathering that echoed the revolutionary spirit of the 1978 Alma-Ata Declaration on Primary Health Care, global leaders in medicine, science, and policy convened at the iconic Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) for the Medicina World Congress. The event culminated today in the adoption of the Colombo Declaration on Integrative Health for All, a bold blueprint to weave traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine (TCIM) into everyday healthcare systems worldwide. Spearheaded by Prof. Dr. Sir Lakshman Madurasinghe, Chairman of the renowned Medicina Alternativa—BOI, the declaration reaffirms a collective pledge to transform the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Traditional Medicine Strategy into actionable reality, beginning in Sri Lanka and rippling across continents.
The three-day congress, which drew over 500 practitioners, doctors, scientists, researchers, teachers, policymakers, and esteemed members of orders like the Knights of the EMH Order and Knights of St John of Jerusalem, buzzed with vibrant discussions on holistic healing approaches. Sessions explored everything from ancient Sri Lankan Ayurvedic traditions to cutting-edge neuro-economic models for wellness, underscoring Medicina Alternativa’s six-decade legacy as a pioneer in complementary medicine with a network spanning 100 countries and training more than 150,000 practitioners globally.
“This is our generation’s Alma-Ata moment,” declared Prof. Madurasinghe during the declaration’s signing ceremony, his voice resonating through the grand hall adorned with cultural motifs of Sri Lanka’s healing heritage. “Just as Alma-Ata ignited the flame of Primary Health Care in 1978, Colombo 2025 ignites Integrative Health for All—a commitment to blend the best of traditional wisdom with modern science, ensuring equitable access for every individual, community, and nation. “The declaration calls for immediate integration of TCIM into national health policies, emphasizing evidence-based practices, community-led initiatives, and cross-sector collaborations. Key pillars include:
- Universal Access: Embedding integrative therapies in primary care to address physical, mental, and social well-being holistically.
- Innovation and Research: Fostering global studies on TCIM’s efficacy, with Sri Lanka positioned as a hub for ancient-modern fusion, including explorations of historical figures like Ravana in medical lore.
- Sustainability: Training workforces in gender-sensitive, culturally attuned care, while leveraging digital tools for remote integrative services.
Attendees hailed from diverse corners, including academic luminaries of Medicina, and indigenous knowledge keepers, creating a tapestry of perspectives. “Prof. Madurasinghe’s vision bridges eras and borders,” noted one delegate, a researcher from the Open International University for Complementary Medicines (OIUCM). “This isn’t just a document—it’s a movement.”
The congress also featured hands-on workshops, keynote addresses on biopsychology and lifespan development, and cultural performances blending Sinhala healing chants with contemporary wellness demos. As the event wrapped, participants departed inspired, ready to champion the declaration’s
