Hela Wedakama is an indigenous medicine in Sri Lanka formed from a series of prescriptions passed through generations over the last 3,000 years. Ancient kings were also prominent physicians and King Buddhadasa (398AD) was known to be one of the most influential physicians that used these ancient healing methods. 

According to local legend, it is believed that King Ravana was the first to start the ancient practice of hela wedakama. It is believed, that he used panchangaya – flowers, fruit, leaves, bark and the root of trees in the healing ritual. There are numerous written texts like arka prakasha, kumara tantra and nadi vignana that have described the art of using hela wedakama to treat individuals.