The Siddhalepa Group, one of Sri Lanka’s most respected Ayurveda healthcare companies with a heritage spanning more than 90 years, has reaffirmed its commitment to preserving the country’s religious and cultural heritage by reconstructing and officially handing over the flower stall complex located along the historic approach road to the Katharagama Kirivehera Rajamaha Viharaya.
The newly developed facility was built as a tribute to the late Sahasrabhisheka Vaidyashoori Deshabandu Ayurveda Physician Dr. Victor Hettigoda, Founder of the Siddhalepa Group. His vision led to the creation of the original flower stall complex in the 1980s, and the reconstructed complex has now been ceremonially opened and dedicated to the public in recognition of his lasting contributions to Sri Lankan society.
Driven by Dr. Victor Hettigoda’s vision of community development, the original flower stalls were established along the main entrance to the historic Katharagama Kirivehera Rajamaha Viharaya and entrusted to local women. The initiative created sustainable self-employment opportunities, enabling women to generate a stable income, strengthen their financial independence and improve the well-being of their families.
Widely regarded as a pioneering model for community development and women’s economic empowerment, the project inspired the creation of similar flower stall complexes at several other prominent religious sites across Sri Lanka. Its continued influence reflects Dr. Hettigoda’s enduring vision of promoting sustainable livelihoods while supporting the nation’s cultural and spiritual heritage.
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, together with the Basnayaka Nilame of the Ruhunu Katharagama Dewalaya.
Among those attending the event were Mr. Asoka Hettigoda, Chairman of the Siddhalepa Group; Mrs. Vidyani Hettigoda; Mrs. Lankani Hettigoda; and the Directors of Hettigoda Industries. They were joined by 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; and a distinguished gathering of religious leaders, government officials and representatives from the wider community.
The reconstruction of the Kirivehera Flower Stall Complex stands as another milestone in Siddhalepa’s longstanding commitment to heritage conservation, community empowerment and social responsibility, ensuring that one of Katharagama’s most significant religious landmarks continues to serve pilgrims while supporting local livelihoods for generations to come.