Abstract:
In recent years, the COVID-19 pandemic has affected countries globally, creating numerous social,
economic, and, most significantly, health-related challenges that have significantly threatened
human life and wellbeing. Not a single country has been immune to the devastation caused as a
result of pandemics and epidemics that emerged at different points in history. This study aims to
explore how communities in historical Sri Lanka confronted epidemic outbreaks and implemented
strategies to mitigate their impact. The methodology is based on the thematic analysis of qualitative
data obtained from purposively selected senior members of Sri Lankan communities. Although
contemporary media often depicts decease prevention practices as modern innovations, the findings
indicate that many such measures were commonly used by ancient societies in Sri Lanka. These
include household and village isolation, travel restrictions, social distancing, hand washing,
strengthening immunity through medicinal herbal concoctions, and wearing masks. The study
further elaborates that certain contagious diseases, such as measles and chickenpox, were
considered divine diseases, some of which were believed to have spread as a result of intense
sunlight. Overall, the research concludes that ancient Sinhalese responded to epidemics by
effectively adapting to nature while maintaining mental and physical resilience.
