Swadeshi Khomba illuminates Kiri Vehera and Ruhunu Maha Kataragama Devalaya at Kataragama for 15th y

Swadeshi Chairperson Amari Wijewardene, Swadeshi Deputy Chairperson/Managing Director Chulodhara Samarasinghe, Chief Incumbent of Kirivehera Rajamaha Viharaya in Kataragama Venerable Kobawaka Dhamminda Thera and officials from Swadeshi 

The 2016 Esala festivals of the Kataragama Kiri Vehera and the Ruhunu Kataragama Maha Devalaya, two important places of worship in Sri Lanka, are being illuminated by The Swadeshi Industrial Works PLC the pioneer herbal-personal care products manufacturer. The illumination is done under the theme of ‘Swadeshi Khomba Aloka Puja Sathkaraya’.

The on-going events began on 5 July and end on 19 July, and Swadeshi is sponsoring the Aloka Poojawas for the 15th consecutive year.

Swadeshi Chairperson Amari Wijewardene said that as a Sri Lankan owned company, we consider it a duty to safeguard the culture and traditional heritage of Sri Lanka by supporting activities such as this annual Aloka Poojawa.

She explained that Swadeshi illuminates places of worship in the country for the benefit of all worshippers and also to educate the younger generation on the importance of safeguarding the country’s heritage. The illumination is followed by a colourful cultural pageant which highlights Sri Lankan traditions and history. 

According to the Mahavamsa, Kiri Vehera was built by King Mahanaga in a commemoration of the Buddha’s visit to Kataragama Kihiri Uyana to deliver dharma during his third visit to Sri Lanka.

The Kataragama Devalaya was built by King Dutugemunu as a fulfilment of a vow made to safeguard the national interests of Sri Lanka. The Lord Kataragama is worshiped by people of different races and religions not only in Sri Lanka but also in various parts of the world.

In 2013 the ‘Sri Dalada Maligawa’ of historic Dambadeni Raja Maha Viharaya, where the sacred tooth relic was kept and the ancient murals were renovated by Swadeshi Chairperson Amari Wijewardene to bring back its past glory.

Amari Wijewardene is the great granddaughter of Helena Wijewardene Lamatheni, who initiated renovations of the Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya in 1927.

Swadeshi also supports the Aloka Poojas of Sabaragamu Maha Saman Devalaya, Devundara Sri Vishnu Devalaya, Redigama Ridi Viharaya, Dambadeniya Raja Maha Viharaya, Yapahuwa Raja Maha Viharaya and Keragala Raja Maha Viharaya.