This year, Siddhalepa Ayurveda proudly celebrated its 46th consecutive year.
It has been a year since they conducted the health camp at Adam’s Peak. Since 1978, they have been at the forefront of supporting pilgrims, demonstrating their long-standing commitment to pilgrim health and environmental protection by setting up dustbins, putting up signs, providing lakpeyawa, siddhalepa ointment and pain-relieving spray to visitors, etc.
Strengthening our commitment to environmental protection
For this season, Siddhalepa has expanded its waste management efforts and further strengthened its environmental protection efforts by installing more waste management bins, as well as more signs, information boards and environmental protection boards.
To make the climb to the summit more welcoming, friendly and safe.
The initiative aims to preserve the natural beauty of Sri Pada while promoting a more enjoyable pilgrimage experience.
Dedicated ground support
Siddhalepa staff at Adam’s Peak worked tirelessly in camp, applying Siddhalepa balm to the foreheads of pilgrims when they reached the summit to protect them from the cold winds, and on the descent, the weary pilgrims received foot, head and shoulder massages to ease any aches and pains.
These services ensure that pilgrims are well cared for throughout their pilgrimage.
Along the way, free food called lakpeyawa was served, a custom that pilgrims look forward to.
A tradition of care and innovation
The pilgrimage season that begins with Undwup Poya in December has seen the continuous presence of the Siddhalepa First Aid Camp for 46 years. Founded in 1978 by the late Deshabandhu chairman Dr Victor Hettigoda, the camp has become a well-known and popular resting spot for weary pilgrims.
Dr. Hettigoda has pioneered this venture to create consumer freedom moments around the Siddhalepa brand by pinpointing key drivers.
The company is focusing on its core products.
Environmental Contributions and Initiatives
The season ended with Siddhalepa making significant contributions towards protecting the environment by providing 300 dustbins, collecting 2,844 kg of plastic bottles and 862 kg of polythene waste, distributing 50,000 litres of Lakpeyawa, an eco-friendly cleaning agent, providing 20,000 Siddhalepa eco-friendly bags and installing 20 awareness boards at police stations and Maskeliya Pradesh Sabha.
In addition, Siddhalepa built and maintained two bathing places with changing rooms at Makara Torana and Seetagagra for pilgrims to bathe in the river before ascending the mountain.
These facilities have proved very useful and are maintained by the company as a special service to pilgrims.
Pilgrim support and influence
With around 3.5 million pilgrims this year and around 100 million over the past 46 years, Siddhalepa’s contributions have been immeasurable over the decades. The company’s efforts ensure that pilgrims have a safe and comfortable journey, free from environmental hazards.
Ashoka Hetigoda, Chairman, Hetigoda Group of Companies, highlighted how the brand has transformed into a symbol of healing amongst its enthusiasts.
“Provided free of charge at pilgrimage sites like Sri Pada (Adam’s Peak), Siddhalepa helps balance Vata, Pitta and Kapha (the three doshas) in the body, boosts immunity and protects against discomfort. Our well-trained first aid teams work day and night in shifts to provide a refreshing cup of hot Lakpeyawa, massages and painkillers to millions of pilgrims who undertake this religious journey every year,” he said.
Hettigoda Industries remains dedicated to its mission of serving pilgrims at Adam’s Peak and protecting the environment. The company intends to continue its longstanding commitment to social responsibility and environmental stewardship.
