Swadeshi Khomba illuminates Devundara Uthpalawarna Sri Vishnu Maha Devalaya
Saturday, 27 July 2013 00:00
-
- {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
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 16 to 22 July 2013, during the annual Esala festival.
As a part of its annual CSR program, Swadeshi provides funding and supports the Aloka Poojas of all the temples honouring 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 Dambadeniya Raja Maha Viharaya encouraging traditional and religious practice.
Amari Wijewardene, Managing Director and Chairperson of Swadeshi Industrial Works PLC, commenting on the occasion said: “Being a totally 100% Sri Lankan company, we consider it an honour and responsibility bestowed upon us to safeguard and uplift our country’s heritage, traditions and values. Swadeshi illuminates places of worship in the country for the benefit of all worshippers and in order to educate the younger generation on the importance of preserving and handing down our values from generation to generation.”
Amari Wijewardene is the great granddaughter of Helena Wijewardene Lamatheni, who started the renovations of Kelaniya Viharaya in 1927.
The illumination was followed by a colourful cultural pageant which highlighted 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.
The pioneer and market leader in the herbal personal care category in Sri Lanka, Swadeshi Industrial Works PLC was incorporated in 1941. Among the pioneer brands of the 100% Sri Lankan owned company are Khomba Herbal, Khomba Baby, Rani Sandalwood, Safeplus, Apsara Venivel, Perlwite, Lak Bar, Lady, Black Eagle (Perfume and After Shave), Swadeshi shower gel range and the newly launched kids ‘Little Princess’ range. The company also manufactures and markets the top herbal soap brand Khomba Herbal and heritage beauty soap brand Rani Sandalwood.
