Gemunu Watch Contributes to ‘Soorya Mangallaya’

Gemunu Watch (GW) troops contributing their share to the New Year spirits had their own Sinhala and Tamil New Year festival organized inside the GW Headquarters premises in Kuruwita on Saturday (7).

‘Soorya Mangallaya’ of the GW gave prominence to sports and games of traditional and fun-making nature.

In line with the directions of Major General Dampath Fernando, Colonel of the Regiment, GW and Chief of Staff of the Army, the event started after hoisting the national flag by the day's Chief Guest, Major General T.S Bansajaya, Commandant, Infantry Training Centre (ITC), Minneriya.

Afterwards, lighting of the traditional oil lamp by the Chief Guest, invitees, Officers, Other Ranks and villagers followed a two-minute silence to honour fallen War Heroes of the GW.

Tug-of-war, eye-placing by the blindfolded, bun-eating, lime and spoon race, cadjan weaving, pillow fighting, gunny bag race, blind and pot cracking, tracing of hidden guest, musical chairs and fancy dress pageant, accompanied by a number of other traditional and fun-making games dominated the day’s proceedings to the much amusement of all the onlookers.

Valuable gifts were given away to the winners before a buffet lunch was served to all those participating in the New Year festival.

Senior Officers, Officers, Other Ranks, Invitees, members of the civil staff and neighboring villagers enjoyed the events and greeted each other in the Sinhala and Tamil New Year.