Health Minister Pavithra Waniarachchi today took a sip of a mysterious medicine produced by an indigenous medical practitioner as an “effective remedy” to COVID19.

Dhammika Banara, the indigenous medical practitioner, said his remedy would cure the virus without any side effects. The matter was apparently discussed at the Cabinet meeting this week and the President had instructed the relevant authorities to facilitate further tests on this “medicine”.

The chemical composition of the medicine, however, still remains a secret.

A discussion on giving this “new medicine” to COVID19 patients took place today with the participation of the Health Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi, State Ministers Prof. Channa Jayasumana, Dr. Sudarshini Fernandopulle, Dr. Seetha Arambepola and Sisira Jayakody.

The Minister of Health pointed out that in order to make this drug available to Sri Lanka as well as to the whole world, research should be carried out in accordance with scientific methods. Accordingly, a series of proposals on this methodology should be prepared, he said.

An expert committee, comprising Prof. Sam Kularatne, Prof. Saroj Jayasinghe, Dr. Ananda Wijewickrama, Prof. Sisira de Silva, Prof. Janaka Siriwardena and Prof. Kamani Wanigasuriya, were appointed to expedite the preparation of the proposals.

However, serious doubts have been raised by many parties over many unresolved issues pertaining to the “medicine” produced by the local practitioner. It is still not clear how the efficacy of the drugs was established and the clinical trails were performed.

Health Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi previously came under fire from many circles threw a pot of “blessed water” into a river to save the country from the global pandemic. The water was reportedly blessed by Eliyantha White, a person who identifies himself as an alternate medical practitioner.