Ven. Boralande Vajiragnana Thera

Chief incumbent of Sri Sambodhi Maha Viharaya, Colombo 7
Chairman of the Buddhist Media Network

At this moment, I am ready to pay my respect to a great person and a successful business leader who has rendered yeoman service to the country, nation and Buddha Sasana. The services of Dharmasiri De Silva, the Chairman of HODES Group of Companies, rendered during the past 75 years have to be remembered with gratitude. His services to the Buddha Sasana and Maha Snagha cannot be explained in a short paragraph. Volumes can be written about his services to the Maha Sangha. He never hesitated to put up a Sanghawasa (a house for the Maha Sangha), build a statue of the Buddha, plant a Bo tree or to build a shrine room. While performing all such activities, he has supplied quality perfumes and aromatic products to consumers living here and abroad.
Dharmasiri De Silva played a leading role in a series of Pinkamas organized by Ven Daranagama Kusaladhamma Nayake Thera who was the chief incumbent of Sri Sambodhi Viharaya and the founder of Bauddhaya Media Organization. He continues his services as a devout Buddhist even after the passing away of Ven. Kusaladhamma Nayaka Thera. His enthusiasm in Buddhist activities has not declined,
The Buddha has preached that there is particular timber for every fragrance. We know that the smell of trees such as sandalwood, agil, devadara (cedrus deodara), and flowers such as manel (waterlily) spreads everywhere giving us a sense of satisfaction. Similarly, the fragrance of great people spreads in the same manner. The products coming out of HODES Group of Companies brings in profits while healing the hearts of its employees. May Dharmasiri De Silva be blessed with longevity, good health and success in his business ventures with the blessings of the Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha!
Dharmasiri De Silva’s successful journey lasting 75 years is mostly due to his beloved wife – Mrs Kanthi De Silva – and their children – Gehan De Silva, Mevan De Silva and Jeevan De Silva. He is also lucky to have a team of dedicated employees performing diverse activities in his factories and office complexes. They have been trained in the art of turning out new products according to the specifications Dharmasiri De Silva. Even his office staff are properly trained to do their respective roles to the satisfaction of the management. Actually they are not simply doing a job but doing a service to the nation. If not for their dedicated services, HODES Group of Companies would not have achieved international fame. Therefore, may the members of Dharmasiri’s family and all the employees of his organization be able to perform their tasks well with the blessings of the Triple Gems, gods and deities! Finally, may he realize the four noble truths!