Mrs. 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 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 is followed by a colourful cultural pageant which highlights Sri Lankan traditions and history.
According to the Mahavamsa, the history of 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.
The Ridee Viharaya which had sheltered 500 Bhikkus (monks) who had attained Arhat status had been later developed as a temple and a place of worship by the King Keerthi Sri Rajasinghe.
Three incumbents of this ancient Ridee Viharaya have in the recent past become chief incumbents of Malwathu Maha Viharaya. Malwathu Maha Vihara Parshwa Maha Nayaka; Most Venerable Thibbotuwawe Sri Siddhartha Sumangala Mahanayaka Thero of Shyamopaali Maha Nikaya, had become the third successive thro to be appointed from the Ridee Viharaya as the Chief Incumbent of the Malwathu Maha Viharaya.
Swadeshi also supports the Aloka Poojas of Kataragama Kiri Wehera, Ruhunu Kataragama Maha Devalaya, Redigama Ridi Viharaya, Rathnapura Maha Saman Devalaya and Dambadeniya Raja Maha Viharaya.
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, Khomba Baby, Rani Sandalwood, Safeplus, Apsara, Perlwite, Lak Bar, Lady, Black Eagle (Perfume & After Shave), Swadeshi shower gel range and the one and only kids range “Little Princess”.
The company also manufactures and markets the top herbal soap brand Khomba Herbal and heritage beauty soap brand Rani Sandalwood.
