MPs drink ’COVID-19 curative’ tonic, but say it is not an endorsement

Several parliamentarians yesterday who had gathered in Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena’s chamber consumed the ayurvedic tonic by ayurvedic practitioner Dhammika Bandara which recently caused a stir in Kegalle, despite health authorities stating that it had not been scientifically tested.

However, some of the MPS who consumed the tonic told Daily Mirror that it was not an endorsement of the product by the government but they had consumed it as it was presented by Bandara himself who visited Parliament yesterday with State Minister of Indigenous Medicine, Rural and Ayurveda Hospital Development and Community Health, sisira Jayakody, to present the tonic to Speaker Abeywardena.

The tonic is said to contain pure bee’s honey and is currently undergoing clinical trials by health authorities to ascertain if it can be used as a suitable cure for the virus.

Pictures of the MPS consuming the tonic went viral on social media yesterday with several users querying how the MPS could consume the concoction it if it was not yet scientifically tested. Several users criticized the move saying the tonic should receive clearance prior to being consumed.

Primary Health Care, epidemics and COVID-19 Disease Control State Minister Dr. sudarshini Fernandopulle requested the public on Wednesday not to queue up to seek the concoction, until research on it is concluded.

She said the Health Ministry had agreed on principle to carry out scientific research on the medicine and added based on the results, it could be said whether the medicine was effective or not. (JAMILA HUSAIN)