The 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 18th consecutive year and Udunuwara, Sri Lankathilaka Raja Maha Viharaya in the Kandy district for the 02nd consecutive year. The “Aloka Pooja” was carried out under the theme, “Swadeshi Khomba Aloka Puja Sathkaraya”, during the annual Esala festival.
Ms. Amari Wijewardene, Chairperson of Swadeshi said that as a Sri Lankan owned company, we consider it a duty to safeguard the culture and traditional heritage of Sri Lanka by supporting activities such as 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 was followed by a colourful cultural pageant which highlights traditions and history of Sri Lanka.
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 in the reign of King Parakramabahu II. The existing structure was built in the reign of King Rajasinghe II in the 17th century.
The Lankatilaka temple history runs back to the Gampola Kingdom era. King Buwanekabahu IV has built this temple in 1344 AD. The King’s Chief Ministers Senadhilankara was entrusted to carry out the construction work of this temple. The South Indian architect Sthapatirayar has designed this with a blend of Sinhalese architecture of Polonnaruwa period and Indo Chinese style. This temple was of four stories earlier and what is seen today is the ground floor and part of the first floor of the earlier temple.
This temple is an example for the Buddha and God worship prevailed during Gampola era. Gods Vishnu, Saman, Vibhishana, Ganapathi, Kataragama and Kumara Bandara had been worshipped here.
In 2013 the ‘Sri Dalada Maligawa’ of historic Dambadeni Raja Maha Viharaya, where the sacred tooth relic was kept and the ancient murals were renovated by Swadeshi Chairperson Ms. Amari Wijewardene to bring back its 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 also supports the Aloka Poojas of Kataragama Kiri Wehera, Ruhunu Kataragama Maha Devalaya, Devundara Uthpalawarna Vishnu Devalaya, Redeegama Ridee Viharaya, Dambadeniya Raja Maha Viharaya and Keragala Raja Maha Viharaya annually.
As a local company Swadeshi continues its nation building and community CSR projects for our Sri Lankan communities. The Swadeshi Khomba brand is dedicated to carrying out sustainability projects which focus on caring for Mother Nature and enhancing cultural values. Company’s many community outreach initiatives includes island wide Kohomba tree planting campaign, Donating water tanks for the communities in dry zone of Sri Lanka,
Khomba Baby care gifts to pregnant mothers and books to school children highlighting the good values.
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, Rani Sandalwood, Khomba Baby, Little Princess, Apsara, Perlwite, Lak Bar, Lady, Black Eagle Perfume and Swadeshi Shower Gel range. All products manufactured by Swadeshi are 100% vegetarian and cruelty free, and have never been tested on animals. This stands testament to the company’s forward thinking practices, as well as our desire to help consumers make ethical and eco friendly choices. The company has always considered the health and environmental impact of its products, and we will continue to focus on this going forward.
The company also manufactures and markets the top herbal soap brand Khomba Herbal and heritage beauty soap brand Rani Sandalwood. Rani Sandalwood Soap recently introduced three new additions to its soap range namely, Rani Sandalwood with Coconut Cream & Vanilla (White), Rani Sandalwood with Rose Water and Saffron (Pink) and Rani Sandalwood with Honey, Venivel and Turmeric (Yellow).