The Swadeshi Industrial Works PLC the pioneer herbal – personal care products manufacturer once again illuminated the Aluthnuwara Sri Dadimunda Maha Devalaya, Devundara Uthparawarna Sri Vishnu Maha Devalaya, Sabaragamuwa Maha Saman Devalaya, Deraniyagala Saman Devalaya along with Dambadeniya Raja Maha Viharaya, five most important historic places of worship, during Esala festival. 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 this annual Aloka Poojawa.
She further observed 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’s heritage. The illumination is followed by a colourful cultural pageant which highlights Sri Lankan traditions and history.
Aluthnuwara Sri Dadimunda Maha Devalaya was built during the Dambadeniya period. It is believed that when King Parakramabahu II was passing through Aluthnuwara on his way to Sri Pada, he was very impressed with the place and decided to donate the property to the temple. 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 Sri Vishnu’. Sabaragamuwa Maha Saman Devalaya is the repository for the Sacred Tooth Relic for 11 years in Sri Lankan history (from 1581 AD to 1592 AD). It was built in the 13th century in the reign of King Parakramabahu II. Deraniyagala Saman Devalaya, the ancient temple is a treasure for the area. The legend of this devalaya belongs to the era of King Rajasinghe 11. Dambadeniya Raja Maha Viharaya was built in the reign of King Parakramabahu II. The Dalada Perahera was begun to pay homage to the Sacred Tooth Relic, which was kept there for 13 years.
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 annual Aloka Poojawa of Kataragama Kiri Vehera, Ruhunu Maha Kataragama Devalaya, Mahanuwara Sri Vishnu Maha Devalaya, Redigama Ridi Viharaya, Lankathilaka Raja Maha Viharaya, Ammaduwa Kuda Kataragama Devalaya, Sankapali Raja Maha Viharaya, Kolambagama Raja Maha Viharaya, and Keragala Raja Maha Viharaya.
As a 100% 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 include, Island wide annual lighting ceremony of temples “Swadeshi Khomba Aloka Puja Sathkaraya”, “Swadeshi Khomba Mihithala Sathkaraya” Kohomba tree planting campaigns, Donation of water tanks for the communities, schools and temples in dry zone of Sri Lanka and Swadeshi Khomba Baby care gifts to pregnant mothers.
“As the country’s leading herbal personal care products company, we would like consumers to learn more about the functional benefits of the herbal ingredients used by Swadeshi in all its products, we use only the best of Sri Lankan herbs, and all ingredients are extensively researched, and the products fully tested to ensure quality and all our products are 100% Vegetarian, Not tested on animals and Cruelty free. Swadeshi products including Swadeshi Khomba, Rani Sandalwood and Swadeshi Khomba Baby are accredited by the Vegetarian Society, UK.” 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 continues to prioritize it. Swadeshi, a truly Sri Lankan company has claimed many industry firsts to its name during past 80 years.
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 brands of Swadeshi are Swadeshi Khomba, Rani Sandalwood, Swadeshi Khomba Baby, Perlwite, Lak Bar, Safeplus, Black Eagle Perfume, Khomba Hand Wash, Khomba Body Wash and Rani Shower Cream range. The company manufactures and markets the No. 01 herbal brand in Sri Lanka “Khomba Herbal” and heritage beauty brand Rani Sandalwood.
All Swadeshi products are registered under National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA), of Health Ministry of Sri Lanka. All fragrances used in Swadeshi products are certified by globally accepted International Fragrance Association (IFRA) and produced under ISO 9001 – 2015 standards.