The formula produced by Dhammika Bandara of Kegalle as a local cure for COVID19 has been approved by the formula committee of the Department of Ayurveda yesterday (21).

However, Dhammika Bandara has come under severe fire from many quarters over his unruly behavior and attempts to portray himself as Goddes Kali, a goddess worshipped in the Hindu tradition. Bandara maintains that the formula of the drug was conveyed to him by Godess Kali.

However, the role of the formula committee headed by the Commissioner of Ayurveda is to give approval to the local drug production after proper supervision.

Current observations have suggested that this "cure" has dietary properties and is not harmful to the body. Therefore, it has been approved as a "food supplement" by the formula committee.

It is due to be submitted to the Ethics Committee tomorrow (23) to decide on the authorization of its production.

However, it has not yet been approved as a drug to be used on COVID19 patient. Such a decision will only be made following proper clinical trials conducted by the Health Ministry.