Swadeshi Khomba illuminates Keragala Raja Maha Viharaya for 7th consecutive year

Saturday, 6 February 2021 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Senior management team of Swadeshi and the Chief Incumbent of Keragala Rajamaha Viharaya Venerable Rajawela Nandarathana Thero illuminating the historic Keragala Raja Maha Viharaya

The Swadeshi Industrial Works PLC, the pioneer and the market leader in herbal care products in one of its community support initiatives recently sponsored the ‘Aloka Poojawa’ of the historic Keragala Raja Maha Viharaya. Organised for the seventh consecutive year on the Duruthu Full Moon Poya day, ‘Swadeshi Khomba Aloka Puja Sathkaraya’ is a concept of Swadeshi Chairperson Amari Wijewardene.

Situated in the Gampaha District, the Keragala Raja Maha Viharaya was built in the 13th century in the reign of King Vijayabahu during Dambadeniya Kingdom. The ‘Padmawathi Pirivena’ was established in the Keragala Raja Maha Viharaya during the reign of King Parakramabahu VI in the 15th century.

Sharing her thoughts on the Aloka Pooja initiative, Wijewardene said, “Swadeshi being a Sri Lankan company which upholds traditional values and customs considers safeguarding the culture and traditional heritage of Sri Lanka by supporting initiatives such as annual Aloka Pooja. As a socially responsible company, we are committed to give our fullest support to these initiatives; thereby we set a perfect example for the generations to follow.”

Alongside the Aloka Pooja, Swadeshi also ensured to inquire the needs of the Keragala Raja Maha Viharaya and supplied the necessary personal care products considering it as a responsibility to support the temples around the island.

She added, “Swadeshi Khomba illuminates places of worship in the country for the benefit and betterment if worshippers and also with the intention of educating younger generation on the importance of safeguarding the country’s culture and heritage.”

Wijewardene has been continuously supporting religious places throughout the island. In 2013 the ‘Sri Dalada Maligawa’ of historic Dambadeni Raja Maha Viharaya and the ancient murals were renovated by Wijewardene to bring back the past glory. Wijewardene is the great granddaughter of Helena Wijewardene Lamatheni, who initiated renovations of the Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya in 1927.

Swadeshi Khomba continues to support the Aloka Poojas of Kataragama Kiri Wehera, Ruhunu Kataragama Maha Devalaya, Sabaragamu Maha Saman Devalaya, Devundara Sri Vishnu Devalaya, Aluthnuwara Sri Dadimunda Maha Devalaya, Mahanuwara Sri Maha Vishnu Dewalaya, Redigama Ridi Viharaya, Lankathilaka Raja Maha Viharaya and Dambadeniya Raja Maha Viharaya.

As a local company with a trust of 80 years, Swadeshi Khomba continues to pay due attention to community building initiatives for the betterment of all Sri Lankans. The Swadeshi Khomba brand is dedicated to carrying out sustainability projects with great care for Mother Nature and enhancing cultural values.

The company’s many community outreach initiatives include, donating hand washing sinks for temples and railway stations, schools and educating the community on hand washing steps through a video targeting children during COVID-19 pandemic, Kohomba tree planting campaigns, donating water tanks for the communities in the dry zone of Sri Lanka, Khomba Baby care gifts to pregnant mothers and educating school children through a ‘Honda Purudu’ book highlighting the good values, which are fast disappearing.