Swadeshi Khomba illuminates Dambadeniya Raja Maha Viharaya for 14th consecutive year

Saturday, 12 December 2015 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Swadeshi-Dambadeniya--2015

Swadeshi Industrial Works PLC, the market leader in Sri Lanka for herbal personal care products, has sponsored the ‘Aloka Poojawa’ of the historic Dambadeniya Raja Maha Viharaya for the 14th consecutive year.

Dambadeniya was the third kingdom in Sri Lanka and the Viharaya was built in the reign of King Parakramabahu II. The Dalada Perahera was begun to pay homage to the Sacred Tooth Relic, which was kept there for 13 years. The illumination is done under the theme; ‘Swadeshi Khomba Aloka Puja Sathkaraya’.

Swadeshi Chairperson Amari Wijewardene said Swadeshi being a Sri Lankan owned company, considers safeguarding the culture and traditional heritage of Sri Lanka by supporting such activities as this annual Aloka Pooja, a duty and also a debt the company owe towards mother Lanka.

She further observed, Swadeshi illuminates places of worship in the country for the benefit and ease of all worshippers and also with the intention of educating younger generation on the importance of safeguarding the country’s culture and heritage. The illumination is followed by a colourful cultural pageant which highlights Sri Lankan traditions and history.

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 Kataragama Kiri Wehera, Ruhunu Kataragama Maha Devalaya, Devundara Uthpalawarna Sri Vishnu Devalaya, Redigama Ridi Viharaya and Rathnapura Maha Saman Devalaya.