Swadeshi illuminates Rideegama Ridee Viharaya
The Swadeshi Industrial Works PLC, Sri Lanka’s foremost and pioneering herbal - personal care products manufacturer, treats corporate social responsibility (CSR) as a worthy cause. Thus, the company engages in CSR programmes of national importance, on a regular basis.
One such ongoing CSR programme the company is engaged in illuminating important places of worship in the country. Accordingly, the Rideegama, Ridee Viharaya temple situated in the Kurunegala District was illuminated recently.
Under this illumination programme conducted to mark the dawn of Esala festive season, the Kataragama Kiri-Wehera and Ruhunu Kataragama Maha Devalaya were illuminated in prior.
The illumination is done under the theme ‘ Swadeshi Khomba Aloka Puja Sathkaraya’.
Swadeshi Chairperson Amari Wijewardene said Swadeshi being a hundred percent 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 observed Swadeshi illuminates places of worship in the country for the benefit and ease of all worshippers and also with the intention of educating younger generation on the importance of safeguarding the country’s culture and heritage. The illumination is followed by a colourful cultural pageant which highlights Sri Lankan traditions and history.
Amari Wijewardene is the great-granddaughter of Helena Wijewardene Lamatheni, who initiated renovations of the Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya in 1927.
According to the Mahavamsa, the history of Ridee Viharaya 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.
Swadeshi Industrial Works PLC, the pioneer and market leader in the herbal personal care products category in Sri Lanka, was commissioned in 1941.
The company firmly believes in contributing towards development of the country’s economy by way of introducing hundred percent native products using local raw-material.
Among the pioneer brands of this 100 percent Sri Lankanowned company are; Khomba Herbal, Khomba Baby, Rani Sandalwood, Safeplus, Apsara, Perlwite, Lak Bar, Lady, Black Eagle (perfume and after shave), Swadeshi shower gel range and the newly launched kids range, Little Princess.
The company also manufactures and markets the top herbal soap brand Khomba Herbal and heritage beauty soap brand Rani Sandalwood.