Swadeshi Khomba illuminates Sabaragamuwa Maha Saman Devalaya for 12th consecutive year
Saturday, 5 October 2013 00:00
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Swadeshi Industrial Works PLC, the market leader in Sri Lanka for herbal personal care products, has sponsored the “Aloka Poojawa” of the historic Sabaragamuwa Maha Saman Devalaya for the 12th consecutive year.
The Saman Devalaya is the repository for the Sacred Tooth Relic for 11 years in Sri Lankan history (from 1581 AD to 1592 AD). Situated in the Ratnapura district, the Sabaragamuwa Maha Saman Devalaya was built in the 13th century during the reign of King Parakramabahu II.
The existing structure was built in the reign of King Rajasinghe II in the 17th century. The “Swadeshi Khomba Aloka Puja Sathkaraya” took place from 16 to 20 September 2013. The illumination is done under the theme; “Swadeshi Khomba Aloka Puja Sathkaraya”.
Swadeshi Chairperson/Managing Director Amari Wijewardene said Swadeshi being a 100% 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 owes the country.
She further stated that 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.
Wijewardene is the great granddaughter of Helena Wijewardene Lamatheni, who initiated renovations of the Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya in 1927.
As a part of its annual CSR program, Swadeshi supports the Aloka Poojas of all the temples that honour the four guardian Gods of Sri Lanka, Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya - God Vibishana, Ruhunu Kataragama Maha Devalaya - God Kataragama, Saman Devalaya Ratnapura - God Saman and Devundara Uthpalawarna Sri Vishnu Maha Devalaya - God Uthpalawarna Sri Vishnu. The company also supports the annual Aloka Poojawa of the Kataragama Kiri Wehera, Dambadeniya Raja Maha Viharaya and Kurunegala Ridee Viharaya, encouraging traditional and religious practice.
Swadeshi Industrial Works PLC, the pioneer and market leader in the herbal personal care products category in Sri Lanka, was commissioned in 1941. The company firmly believes in contributing towards development of the country’s economy by way of introducing hundred percent native products using local raw-material.