The Swadeshi Industrial Works PLC, the pioneer and the market leader in herbal care products in one of its community support initiatives recently sponsored the “Aloka Poojawa” of the historic Keragala Raja Maha Viharaya. Organized for the 7th consecutive year on the Duruthu Full Moon Poya day, “Swadeshi Khomba Aloka Puja Sathkaraya” is a concept of Swadeshi Chairperson Ms. Amari Wijewardene.
Situated in the Gampaha district, the Keragala Raja Maha Viharaya was built in the 13th century in the reign of King Vijayabahu during Dambadeniya Kingdom. The “Padmawathi Piriwena” was established in the Keragala Raja Maha Viharaya during the reign of King Parakramabahu VI in the 15th century.
Sharing her thoughts on the Aloka Pooja initiative, Swadeshi Chairperson Ms. Amari Wijewardene said, “Swadeshi being a Sri Lankan company which upholds traditional values and customs considers safeguarding the culture and traditional heritage of Sri Lanka by supporting initiatives such as annual Aloka Pooja. As a socially responsible company, we are committed to give our fullest support to these initiatives; thereby we set a perfect example for the generations to follow.”
Alongside the Aloka Pooja, Swadeshi also ensured to inquire the needs of the Keragala Raja Maha Viharaya and supplied the necessary personal care products considering it as a responsibility to support the temples around the island.
She further added, “Swadeshi Khomba illuminates places of worship in the country for the benefit and betterment if worshippers and also with the intention of educating younger generation on the importance of safeguarding the country’s culture and heritage.”
Swadeshi Chairperson, Ms. Amari Wijewardene has been continuously supporting religious places throughout the island. In 2013 the ‘Sri Dalada Maligawa’ of historic Dambadeni Raja Maha Viharaya and the ancient murals were renovated by Ms. Amari Wijewardene to bring back the 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 Khomba continues to support the Aloka Poojas of Kataragama Kiri Wehera, Ruhunu Kataragama Maha Devalaya, Sabaragamu Maha Saman Devalaya, Devundara Sri Vishnu Devalaya, Aluthnuwara Sri Dadimunda Maha Devalaya, Mahanuwara Sri Maha Vishnu Dewalaya, Redigama Ridi Viharaya, Lankathilaka Raja Maha Viharaya and Dambadeniya Raja Maha Viharaya.
As a local company with a trust of 80 years, Swadeshi Khomba continues to pay due attention to community building initiatives for the betterment of all Sri Lankans. The Swadeshi Khomba brand is dedicated to carrying out sustainability projects with great care for Mother Nature and enhancing cultural values. The company’s many community outreach initiatives include, donating Hand washing sinks for temples and railway stations, schools and educating the community on hand washing steps through a video targeting children during Covid 19 pandemic, Kohomba tree planting campaigns, donating water tanks for the communities in the 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, which are fast disappearing.
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, Perlwite, Lak Bar, Safeplus, 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 brand Khomba Herbal and heritage beauty brand Rani Sandalwood. Khomba Baby Soap recently introduced a new addition to its soap range “Khomba Baby Avocado Soap” enriched with natural Avocado oil to nourish baby’s skin. Swadeshi Khomba recently introduced Khomba Hand Sanitizer 50 ml product with the registration of NMRA. Khomba hand sanitizer with Kohomba, Lemongrass and Aloe vera is for safe, germ free hands.
Photo Caption
Senior Management team of Swadeshi and the Chief Incumbent of Keragala Rajamaha Viharaya Venerable Rajawela Nandarathana Thero, illuminating the historic Keragala raja maha viharaya.