11 March 2016 10:46 am Views - 2453
The illumination is done under the theme ‘Swadeshi Khomba Aloka Puja Sathkaraya’.
Situated in the Gampaha District, the Keragala Raja Maha Viharaya was built in the 13th century in the reign of King Vijayabahu during the Dambadeniya Kingdom. The Padmawathi Piriwena was established in the Keragala Raja Maha Viharaya in the reign of King Parakramabahu VI in the 15th century.
Swadeshi Chairperson Amari Wijewardene said Swadeshi being a Sri Lankan-owned company, considers safeguarding the culture and traditional heritage of Sri Lanka by supporting such activities as this annual Aloka Pooja, a duty and also a debt the company owe towards mother Lanka.
She further stated Swadeshi illuminates places of worship in the country for the benefit and ease of all worshippers and also with the intention of educating the younger generation on the importance of safeguarding the country’s culture and heritage. In 2013, the Sri Dalada Maligawa of historic Dambadeni Raja Maha Viharaya and the ancient murals were renovated by Wijewardene to bring back its past glory.
Amari Wijewardene is the great granddaughter of Helena Wijewardene Lamatheni, who initiated the renovations of the Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya in 1927. Swadeshi also supports the Aloka Poojas of Kataragama Kiri Wehera, Ruhunu Kataragama Maha Devalaya, Sabaragamu Maha Saman Devalaya, Devundara Sri Vishnu Devalaya, Redigama Ridi Viharaya and Dambadeniya Raja Maha Viharaya.
The pioneer and market leader in the herbal personal care category in Sri Lanka, Swadeshi Industrial Works PLC, was incorporated in 1941.