The Swadeshi Industrial Works PLC, the pioneer herbal-personal care products manufacturer once again illuminated the Aluthnuwara Sri Dadimunda Maha Devalaya, Mahanuwara Sri Maha Vishnu Devalaya, Devundara Uthpalawarna Sri Vishnu Maha Devalaya, Deraniyagala Saman Devalaya along with Rideegama Ridee Viharaya, five most important historic places of worship, during Esala festival. 

The ‘Aloka Pooja’ was carried out under the theme, ‘Swadeshi Khomba Aloka Puja Sathkaraya’, during the annual Esala festival. 

Swadeshi Chairperson Amari Wijewardene 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 further observed 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’s heritage. The illumination is followed by a colourful cultural pageant which highlights Sri Lankan traditions and history.

Aluthnuwara Sri Dadimunda Maha Devalaya was built during the Dambadeniya period. It is believed that when King Parakramabahu II was passing through Aluthnuwara on his way to Sri Pada, he was very impressed with the place and decided to donate the property to the temple. 

Mahanuwara Sri Maha Vishnu Devalaya is one of the Hatara Devale in Kandy, having a long association with the Royal Palace (‘Maha Vasala’) and the Temple of Tooth Relic (‘Sri Dalada Maligawa’). 

The original Uthpalawarna Sri Vishnu Maha Devalaya, which was destroyed by the Portuguese, was built by King Dhapulusen in 661 AD. According to Buddhist literature, the Buddha before he passed away had asked the god ‘Shakra’ to protect Buddhism in Sri Lanka. God ‘Shakra’ had entrusted this duty to the god ‘Uthpalawarna Sri Vishnu’.

Deraniyagala Saman Devalaya, the ancient temple is a treasure for the area. The legend of this devalaya belongs to the era of King Rajasinghe II, the history of Rideegama 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 Seya in King Dutugemunu’s epoch.

In 2013, the ‘Sri Dalada Maligawa’ of historic Dambadeniya Raja Maha Viharaya, where the sacred tooth relic was kept and the ancient murals were renovated by Swadeshi Chairperson Amari Wijewardene to bring back its past glory.

Wijewardene is the great granddaughter of Helena Wijewardene, who initiated renovations of the Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya in 1927.

Swadeshi also supports the annual Aloka Poojawa of Kataragama Kiri Vehera, Ruhunu Maha Kataragama Devalaya, Lankathilaka Raja Maha Viharaya, Dambadeniya Raja Maha Viharaya, Sankapali Raja Maha Viharaya, Kolambagama Raja Maha Viharaya, Attanagalle Raja Maha Viharaya and Keragala Raja Maha Viharaya.