Siddhalepa Revitalises Katharagama’s Sacred Landscape with the Reconstruction of the Kirivehera Flower Stall Complex
A meaningful tribute to the late Founder Dr Victor Hettigoda’s vision of preserving Sri Lanka’s religious and cultural heritage
The Siddhalepa Group, a leading name in Sri Lanka’s Ayurveda healthcare sector with a legacy spanning over nine decades, has once again demonstrated its commitment to preserving the nation’s religious heritage and cultural values through the reconstruction and handover of the newly developed flower stall complex along the historic access road to the Katharagama Kirivehera Rajamaha Viharaya.
The project was undertaken as a tribute to the late Sahasrabhisheka Vaidyashoori Deshabandu Ayurveda Physician Dr Victor Hettigoda, Founder of the Siddhalepa Group, whose visionary concept led to the establishment of the original flower stall complex in the 1980s. The newly reconstructed facility was recently ceremonially opened and vested with the public as a meritorious offering in memory of his invaluable contributions to society.
As part of Deshabandu Dr Victor Hettigoda’s vision for community development, the original flower stalls were established along the main approach to the Historic Katharagama Kirivehera Rajamaha Viharaya and entrusted to local women. The initiative created sustainable self-employment opportunities, empowering women to earn a stable income, achieve greater financial independence and enhance their families’ livelihoods.
Recognised as a pioneering model of community development and women’s economic empowerment, the initiative later inspired the establishment of similar flower stall complexes at several other major places of worship across Sri Lanka, reflecting the enduring impact of Deshabandu Dr Victor Hettigoda’s vision for compassionate and sustainable social development.
The inauguration ceremony was held under the patronage of the Most Venerable Kobawaka Dhamminda Nayaka Thera, Chief Incumbent of the Historic Katharagama Kirivehera Rajamaha Viharaya, Chief Sanghanayake of Ruhunu Magampaththuwa, and Basnayaka Nilame of the Ruhunu Katharagama Dewalaya.
The occasion was attended by Mr Asoka Hettigoda, Chairman of the Siddhalepa Group, Mrs Vidyani Hettigoda, Mrs Lankani Hettigoda, and the Directors of Hettigoda Industries. Also present were Mr Sashika Bambarunda, Lay Custodian of the Katharagama Kirivehera Rajamaha Viharaya, Mr Thilina Madhushanka, Basnayake Nilame of the Ruhunu Katharagama Maha Devalaya, former Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy Admiral Priyantha Perera, together with distinguished representatives from the religious, government and social sectors.
The Siddhalepa Group also expressed its appreciation to the personnel of the Sri Lanka Navy for their dedicated contribution to the successful completion of the project, and to the officials of the National Physical Planning Department for their valuable support in planning, designing and supervising the initiative.
Guided by a strong commitment to social responsibility, cultural preservation and community well-being, Siddhalepa continues to carry forward the legacy and vision of its Founder, the late Deshabandu Dr Victor Hettigoda, through initiatives that safeguard Sri Lanka’s timeless traditions while creating meaningful and lasting value for society.
