THE Sinhala-Hindu New Year spirits in the east showed a dramatic increase this year when thousands of civilians thronged the Weber Stadium at Batticaloa to take part in New Year celebrations organized by Army troops serving the area.
The event, organized by Brigadier L.M Mudalige, Brigade Commander, 234 Brigade and Senior Officers on the instructions of Brigadier M.H.S.B Perera, General Officer Commanding, 23 Division was held on the theme, ‘Negenahira Udanaya-New Year Celebration’.
The full day celebration, supported largely by businessmen in the area offered valuable gifts to the winners in various games and sports items at the end of the New Year festival. Many traditional and fun-making sports and games added colour and amusement to the occasion.
Meanwhile, a mammoth New Year celebration, organized by Security Forces Headquarters, East took place at Welikanda, with the participation of Major General S.Udumalagala, Commander, Security Forces, East and a large gathering of civilians, belonging to all major ethnicities.
A marathon run of 8 km distance, reserved for women was won by a girl of ten years of age from the area. Ms K.B. Niluka Chandani (10) beat more than 75 competitors in the race and became the first in the country-cross run. The Army western band provided music to the New Year festival throughout the whole day.
In the meantime, 23 Division Headquarters, Punani in the East had a New Year celebration at 23 Division grounds on April 23, 2010. Over 450 civilians from the area took an enormous interest and took part in traditional and fun-making games and other events during the entire day. A musical entertainment at night provided thrill to the occasion.
The Army has organized transport and refreshments for all those who took part in the day’s programme.
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