Saturday Jul 25, 2026
Saturday Jul 25, 2026
Saturday, 25 July 2026 01:17 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
A meaningful tribute to the late Founder Dr. Victor Hettigoda’s vision of preserving Sri Lanka’s religious and cultural heritage
The Siddhalepa Group has once again demonstrated its commitment to preserving the nation’s religious heritage and cultural values through the reconstruction and handover of the newly developed flower stall complex along the historic access road to the Kataragama Kirivehera Rajamaha Viharaya.
The project was undertaken as a tribute to the late Ayurveda Physician and Siddhalepa Group Founder Dr. Victor Hettigoda, whose visionary concept led to the establishment of the original flower stall complex in the 1980s. The newly reconstructed facility was recently ceremonially opened and vested with the public as a meritorious offering in memory of his invaluable contributions to society.
As part of Dr. Victor Hettigoda’s vision for community development, the original flower stalls were established along the main approach to the Historic Kataragama Kirivehera Rajamaha Viharaya and entrusted to local women. The initiative created sustainable self-employment opportunities, empowering women to earn a stable income, achieve greater financial independence and enhance their families’ livelihoods.
Recognised as a pioneering model of community development and women’s economic empowerment, the initiative later inspired the establishment of similar flower stall complexes at several other major places of worship across Sri Lanka, reflecting the enduring impact of Dr. Victor Hettigoda’s vision for compassionate and sustainable social development.
The inauguration ceremony was held under the patronage of the Most Venerable Kobawaka Dhamminda Nayaka Thera, Historic Kataragama Kirivehera Rajamaha Viharaya Chief Incumbent, Ruhunu Magampaththuwa Chief Sanghanayake, and Ruhunu Katharagama Dewalaya Basnayaka Nilame.
The occasion was attended by Siddhalepa Group Chairman Asoka Hettigoda, Hettigoda Industries Directors Vidyani Hettigoda and Lankani Hettigoda. Also present were Kataragama Kirivehera Rajamaha Viharaya Lay Custodian Sashika Bambarunda, Ruhunu Kataragama Maha Devalaya Basnayake Nilame Thilina Madhushanka, Sri Lanka Navy former Commander Admiral Priyantha Perera, together with distinguished representatives from the religious, government and social sectors.
The Siddhalepa Group also expressed its appreciation to the personnel of the Sri Lanka Navy for their dedicated contribution to the successful completion of the project, and to the officials of the National Physical Planning Department for their valuable support in planning, designing and supervising the initiative.
Guided by a strong commitment to social responsibility, cultural preservation and community well-being, Siddhalepa continues to carry forward the legacy and vision of its Founder, the late Dr. Victor Hettigoda, through initiatives that safeguard Sri Lanka’s timeless traditions while creating meaningful and lasting value for society.
