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Sri Lanka Army

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“Soorya Mangalya 2012” at Manippay Highlights Sinhala, Tamil Harmony in Jaffna


Security Forces - Jaffna (SF-J) in collaboration with the Independent Television Network (ITN) organized an annual New Year celebration “Soorya Mangalya” at Marathady Pillayar Kovil in Manippay to mark the dawn of Sinhala and Hindu New Year. The festival which included a range of traditional sports events was conducted for four days commencing from Wednesday (11).

Swimming, marathon, bicycle race and a few other competitions were held during the first two days at different places in Manippay while main events were held on 13th and 14th at beautiful Manippay Marathady Pillayar Kovil site.

Events on the 13th and 14th April took place with attendance of Commander Security Forces - Jaffna (SF-J) Major General Mahinda Hathurusinghe as Chief Guest. The festival site was decorated and arranged depicting a typical Hindu village. In addition to large crowds from Manippay, Sandilippay, Chankanai, Ilavalai, Chunnakam, Pandithirippu, Navali and other neighbouring villages, civilians from distant areas such as Chavakachcheri, Kodikamam and Pallai too gathered to the Kovil site to take part in competitions.

All New Year customs were observed at auspicious times according to the almanac at the festival and Commander SF-J accompanied by the Government Agent Jaffna Mrs. Emelda Sukumar joined the villagers and soldiers present at the Marathady Pillayar Kovil premises on 13th night to follow the customs.

Programme continued till the 14th and winners of competitions received their valuable prizes from distinguished guests. Commander 513 Brigade Brigadier Pradeep Silva, 513 Civil Affairs Officer, Commanding Officers of 11th Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment, 11th Sri Lanka Light Infantry and 14th Gemunu Watch coordinated the event with ITN, Jaffna GA’s office and Divisional Secretary of Sandilippay Mr. S. Muralitharan in organizing the “Soorya Mangalya 2012”.

Hindu Priests, officials of Jaffna civil administrative sector, officials of ITN and other sponsor firms, senior military officers and large crowds attended the festival on all four days.