“I thought of making a product for the common cold,” says Dr. Devapriya Nugawela. “A team of Veda Mahattayas were involved in developing the formula, together with our research scientists. Launched in 1995, Samahan is now the No. 1 herbal product,” he says with pride.

Over two million people make the pilgrimage every year, trudging up the rugged steps hewn centuries ago, with faith in their hearts to venerate the sacred footprint at the summit. Ancient mariners navigated into the island's harbours guided from afar by the pyramid-shaped mount.