KANCHANA SILVA
COLOMBO ; Representing the ninth generation of a traditional medical lineage, Dr. M.R.M. Ruskan is emerging as a prominent figure in Sri Lanka’s indigenous medicine sector, combining inherited medical knowledge with specialized training and international experience.
Under the supervision and guidance of Prof. Dr. Sivali Panabokka, Dr. Ruskan further developed his traditional medical knowledge between 2017 and 2019. Since then, he has continued to build his practice with a focus on neurological conditions, pulse diagnosis, spinal and joint disorders, and traditional Chinese acupuncture.
In 2019, Dr. Ruskan founded Zayan Ayurveda (Pvt) Ltd, followed by the establishment of Zayan Wellness Center in 2025. Through these institutions, he has developed and provided indigenous medicines and traditional medical services to patients both in Sri Lanka and overseas.
According to records maintained by his institutions, Dr. Ruskan has treated between 12,000 and 20,000 patients over the past eight years, with patients travelling from various parts of the country to seek his services. His medicines and medical services have also reached patients in more than eight countries, including the Maldives, Malaysia, India, the United Arab Emirates, Canada, Switzerland, Sweden, and Seychelles.
His work has also extended into community service. Through the Zayan Foundation, Dr. Ruskan has conducted 15 free medical camps, providing traditional medical services to people from underprivileged communities.
Services to diplomats and international figures
Dr. Ruskan has also provided medical services to a number of senior public figures and diplomats. In Sri Lanka, he has treated two former Presidents, Ministers, and High Commissioners representing several countries based in the country.
His international work has included providing medical services to former and serving senior government figures in Seychelles and the Maldives. He has also extended his professional services to patients and organizations in Malaysia, India, Canada, Dubai, and Oman.
Among his international engagements, Dr. Ruskan has provided services to members associated with the Indian Film Actors Association, further expanding the reach of his traditional medical practice beyond Sri Lanka.
Preserving knowledge for the next generation
Dr. Ruskan’s approach to traditional medicine is rooted in a family heritage that spans nine generations. He received his foundational knowledge through traditional instruction from Indian ascetics and later expanded his learning through educational and professional exposure in countries including Malaysia and Israel.
His areas of practice include neurological disorders, specialized pulse diagnosis, spinal and joint disorders, and traditional Chinese acupuncture.
Beyond treating patients, Dr. Ruskan is also involved in education. As a lecturer at the International Traditional Medical College, he has contributed to the training of students entering the field of traditional medicine. He also provides clinical training and practical guidance to students, with the aim of preserving traditional medical knowledge and passing it on to future generations.
With a growing international presence, humanitarian initiatives, and a commitment to education, Dr. M.R.M. Ruskan is seeking to contribute to the development and international recognition of Sri Lanka’s indigenous medical tradition while carrying forward the knowledge inherited through generations of his family.
(Kanchana Silva , Director / CEO Thurusaviya Fund, Ministry of Plantation Industries)
