Public Health of Ancient Sinhalese in the Face of Epidemics

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.