Swadeshi Khomba illuminates Devundara Uthpalawarna Sri Vishnu Maha Devalaya

Saturday, 16 August 2014 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

For the 6th consecutive year

The Swadeshi Industrial Works PLC the pioneer herbal-personal care products manufacturer once again illuminated the Devundara Uthpalawarna Sri Vishnu Maha Devalaya. The ‘Aloka Pooja’ was carried out under the theme, ‘Swadeshi Khomba Aloka Puja Sathkaraya’ and was held from 4 to 10 August 2014, during the annual Esala festival. Swadeshi Chairperson Amari Wijewardene said that as a Sri Lankan owned company, they 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’ heritage. The illumination is followed by a colourful cultural pageant which highlights Sri Lankan traditions and history. The illumination was followed by a colourful cultural pageant ‘The Perahera’ which highlighted the southern Sri Lankan traditions and history. The original Uthpalawarna Sri Vishnu Maha Devalaya, which was destroyed by the Portuguese, was built by King Dhapulusen in 661 AD. According to Buddhist literature, the Buddha before he passed away had asked the God ‘Shakra’ to protect Buddhism in Sri Lanka. God ‘Shakra’ had entrusted this duty to the God ‘Uthpalawarna’ – meaning ‘colour blue’ resembling the colour of God ‘Vishnu’, hence the Devundara Devalaya is known as the Uthpalawarna Sri Vishnu Deva Mandiraya. Swadeshi also supports the Aloka Poojas of Kataragama Kiri Wehera, Ruhunu Kataragama Maha Devalaya, Redigama Ridi Viharaya, Rathnapura Maha Saman Devalaya and Dambadeniya Raja Maha Viharaya. The pioneer and market leader in the herbal personal care category in Sri Lanka, the Swadeshi Industrial Works PLC, was incorporated in 1941. Among the pioneer brands of Swadeshi are Khomba Herbal, Khomba Baby, Rani Sandalwood, Safeplus, Apsara, Perlwite, Lak Bar, Lady, Black Eagle (Perfume & After Shave), Swadeshi shower gel range and the one and only kids range ‘Little Princess’. The company also manufactures and markets the top herbal soap brand Khomba Herbal and heritage beauty soap brand Rani Sandalwood.