SRI PADA... 25 LACKS TO WORSHIP DURING THIS SEASON

Sri Pada is a place with religious importance not only to the Buddhists, but also to the Hindus, Muslims and Christians alike. The print , according to Mahavamsa, was left by Lord Buddha during the third and final of his legendary visits to Sri Lanka. Other faiths like Islam, Hinduism and Christianity also lay claim to it and Muslims believe the footprint to be that of Adam (hence the name Adam’s Peak); Christians, that of St. Thomas, the disciple of Jesus; and Hindus, that of the god Siva.

Sri Pada rises alone majestically with a conical shape and offers an unobstructed view over land and sea. For centuries, navigators used Sri Pada to get a bearing. It is said that the mountain was the landmark of the ancient sea-faring Arabs, who came to Sri Lanka, to trade in gems, spices, ivory etc.

It is estimated that nearly 300,000 pilgrims visit the summit each year. The season this year seems to be the best in terms of visits due to the peaceful environ-

"Many private organizations give a helping hand during the season to generate awareness"

ment prevailing in the country. According to Basnayaka Nilame of Maha Saman Dewalaya, Sunil Shantha Weerasekara, the visits have already exceeded 10 lacks. About 10,000 foreigners have visited the site too. He is optimistic that the number would exceed 25 lacks this season.

According to the Basnayaka Nilame of Maha Saman Dewalaya, keeping the environment clean is the greatest challenge during the season. Lack of facilities are also a concern. He, however, says that there are many private organizations which give a helping hand during the season to generate awareness among pilgrims and also to improve facilities for pilgrims, which is a point to be praised.

Unilever-sri Lanka, too, with its premier germ kill brand Lifebuoy, through its Herbal variant carries out a CSR program, Supirisidui Wandanawa, in Sri Pada each year since 2008 for the benefit of pilgrims who visit the holy site.

This season too, proving its commitment to a healthy society, Lifebuoy-herbal, under the theme of “sithath, kayath pirisidu wemu, supirisidui wandanawa”, is helping the pilgrims by putting up garbage bins , mobile shower and sanitation areas, and renovating bus stands etc.

Lifebuoy-herbal which is enriched with kohomba and komarika has been there for generations providing affordable and accessible hygienic solutions to Sri Lankan consumers. Therefore, Unilever-sri Lanka with Lifebuoy-herbal, invites all to think more on the external purification and cleanliness during this Sri Pada season, as much as they think about spiritual purity, and help build a healthy society .