The Swadeshi Industrial Works PLC the pioneer herbal – personal care products manufacturer once again illuminated the Mahanuwara Sri Vishnu Maha Devalaya, Sabaragamuwa Maha Saman Devalaya, Deraniyagala Saman Devalaya along with Lankathilaka Raja Maha Viharaya and Rideegama Ridee 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, under the strict Covid 19 safety guidelines.
Sri Maha Vishnu Devalaya is one of the Hatara Devale in the Kandy, having a long association with the Royal Palace ( Maha Vasala) and the Temple of Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa). 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.
Lankatilaka Raja Maha Viharaya, history runs back to the Gampola Kingdom era. King Buwanekabahu IV has built this temple in 1344 AD. 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. According to the Mahavamsa, the history of Rideegama Ridee Viharaya which was illuminated by Swadeshi stretches up to Anuradhapuara era. The legend says, Ridee Viharaya had been commissioned in remembrance of the place from where silver was extracted to build Ruwanmeli Maha Saaya in King Dutugemunu’s epoch.
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, Sella Kataragama Devalaya, Devundara Uthpalawarna Sri Vishnu Maha Devalaya, Aluthnuwara Sri Dadimunda Maha Devalaya, Ammaduwa Kuda Kataragama Devalaya, Dambadeniya 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, Hand washing sinks for temples and railway stations, Education on hand washing steps through a video targeting children during Covid 19 pandemic situation, Kohomba tree planting campaigns, Donation of water tanks for the communities in dry zone of Sri Lanka, Khomba Baby care gifts to pregnant mothers and educating school children through a “Hoda Purudu” book 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 Swadeshi Khomba, Rani Sandalwood, Swadeshi Khomba Baby, Little Princess, Perlwite, Lak Bar, Safeplus, 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 continues to prioritize it. 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.
The company also manufactures and markets the top herbal soap brand Khomba Herbal and heritage beauty soap brand Rani Sandalwood.