More takers for massage course

Manel PUSHPA KUMARI

Dr Mala Perera of the Nawinna Ayurvedic Research Institute (NARI) said that the recently introduced massage training course has been successful with an increasing demand from students to register for the next batch. "Nearly 32 students registered for the first batch and they are following the course with enthusiasm. Though Sri Lankan traditional massages are famous worldwide, the lack of experts in the field have resulted in visitors showing little interested," she said.

"If we give a formal eduction to students who are employed in massage parlours, it would be a positive factor for Ayurvedic tourism," Dr Perera said.

The first course at NARI will be completed by 17. The next batch will be recruited through paper advertisements, she said.

"Participants will gain practical and theory knowledge. They will receive an internationally recognized certificate after the completion of the course", she said.

NARI announced that this is the only legally accepted Ayurvedic training in the country. All successful followers will be considered professional masseurs or therapists.

Ayurvedic massage has a good job market in both Sri Lanka and overseas, Dr Perera said.

The centre has also received applications from foreign students, especially from Palestine, she said.