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. Organized for the 7th consecutive year on the Duruthu Full Moon Poya day, “Swadeshi Khomba Aloka Puja Sathkaraya” is a concept of Swadeshi Chairperson Ms. 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 Piriwena” 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, Swadeshi Chairperson Ms. Amari 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 further 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.”
Swadeshi Chairperson, Ms. Amari 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 Ms. Amari Wijewardene to bring back the past glory. Ms. Amari 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.