Continuing an unbroken tradition of four decades, this year too Siddhalepa’s healing touch will reach out to the approximately two million devotees who brave treacherous climatic conditions on this tedious trek up the holy mountain of Sri Pada.
“Protective health and safety measures against Covid 19 were strictly adhered to last season (2020/21) and will continue to be observed this season too,” Managing Director, Hettigoda Industries Group, Asoka Hettigoda said.
“Siddhalepa was among the few brands who obtained approval from the health authorities during the last season purely because of our commitment to adhere to the stringent precautionary methods and health guidelines stipulated by authorities,” he added.
At Siddhalepa’s first aid facility at Gangulathenna about one and a half km up the holy mountain which has the highest peak in the surrounding landscape, healing hands revive weary pilgrims who flock to the stall to refresh themselves.
In the last season 2020/21, the large resting hall with a capacity of about 200 pilgrims at a time, maintained a strict one-meter distance between pilgrims at all times, as a Covid 19 precautionary measure against the spreading of the virus.
The Siddhalepa first aid camp is open 24 hours throughout the season where well-trained young men work in shifts serving refreshing cups of warm Lak Peyawa and offering Siddhalepa balms or sprays for relief from strained and tired limbs and feet.
Lakpeyawa helped pilgrims boost their immunity, a fundamental requirement for protection against Covid 19 and steam inhalation of Siddhalepa helped devotees to clear their respiratory system against the virus and the possibility of catching a cold.
As the country’s leading Ayurveda Group, the service of extending their medical assistance to Sri Pada pilgrims was originated by the founder of the Siddhalepa Group Deshabandu, Dr. Victor Hettigoda in 1979 and has now grown into a large-scale operation centred around Gangulathenna.
Siddhalepa Lakpeyawa boosts immunity and is a protection against ills and discomforts encountered by pilgrims during the climb
The application of Siddhalepa balm on the forehead is an effective protection from the extreme cold and has also proven to be a great relief to pilgrims who suffered muscle and joint pains in legs on their descent.
A range of products including Siddhalepa Asamodagam, Supirivickhy toothpaste, Kekulu soap and tooth paste, Siddhalepa tooth brush, Ayurveda tea and ayurveda oils that are essential for the pilgrims were available at special rate in an easy to carry handy bag.
Siddhalepa has built three spout water bathing facilities and maintains these areas at Makara Thorana, Gangulethenna, and Seetha Gangula for pilgriams to have their ritual bath on their journey to worship at the peak. Three changing rooms are also maintained by Siddhalepa.
Besides its healing role during the Sri Pada season Siddhalepa has also taken a lead in protecting the rich biodiversity of the Sri Pada preservation area.
Along the route from Nallithanniya to the Uda Maluwa about 200 waste bins are provided and maintained by Siddhalepa for garbage disposal. Separate bins are provided for polythene, plastic and degradable garbage.
A recycling project has also been launched by the Maskeliya Pradeshyia Council, to process the tons of garbage collected on the premises during the season.