The National Research Council stated (NRC) that they are yet to receive the proposal by Dhammikka Bandara and once received they will facilitate the trial in advisory and the monetary capacity of the Ayurveda Supplement.

The syrup developed and manufactured by Bandara from Kegalle gained traction over the past few weeks on social media as well as on news will the alleged claim that it suppresses the coronavirus infection and that he was giving the ‘syrup’ for free.

The NRC further stated that thus far, they have received two proposals for Research and Development funding, from Dr. Neranga Abeysinghe for a food supplement and for an Oral Polyherbal Mixture by Dr. Saman Kankanamage, Dr. Harsha Subasinghe, dr. Priyath Bandara and Dr. A.I. Jagoda.

The NRC stated that despite the fact that the proposals are yet to receive ethical clearing, they were granted permission to carry out the R& D activities.

On behalf of the NRC, Chairperson Prof. Hemantha Dodampahala stated that in the midst of the prevailing COVID situation and the restricted funding, the NRC had funded nine COVID-19 grants, 15 investigator-driven grants including the first-ever Cancer Diagnosis and Research Centre in Southeast Asia affiliated with Colombo University.

Furthermore, the one Target Oriented grant and five Private-Public Partnership grants are to be funded soon.

To strengthen the financial and industrial capacity, especially targeting to originate patients, NRC is to sign a memorandum of understanding with the National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka.