16th January 2017 14:08:42 Hours
A large gathering of youngsters, kids and civilians flocked to the Kankesanthurai coastal area on Thaipongal day (14) to enjoy a mammoth kite flying festival.
Troops of the Security Force Headquarters-Jaffna (SFHQ-J), together with the support of the Elavalai Youth Club, organized the event with the intention of promoting goodwill and reconciliation between the civilians and members of the Security Forces in the peninsula.
The project was made a reality on a proposal of Major General Mahesh Senanayaka, Commander, Security Forces-Jaffna in close consultation with the Ministry of National Integration and Reconciliation, Jaffna District Secretariat and youngsters in the area.
More than 200 kites, produced to the festival were adjudged for cash prizes by a special joint panel of judges after the producers were requested to display them both in the air and also before flying. The best kite carried away Rs 5,000/=, the second Rs 3,000/= and the third one, a sum of Rs 1,500/= as prizes.
As the kites made their way to the skies, the music band of the Sri Lanka National Guard troops began to add Sinhala and Tamil rhythmic melodies and songs to the occasion in order to entertain the participants.
Mr. M Sivagnanasothy, Secretary to Ministry of National Integration and Reconciliation, Mr Nagalingam Vethanayahan, District Secretary for Jaffna, Major General Mahesh Senanayake, Commander, Security Forces-Jaffna, Rear Admiral Piyal De Silva, Commander, Northern Naval Area, Brigadier Marvin Perera, General Officer Commanding, 51 Division, Brigadier Sisira Pilapitiya, Brigade Commander, 513 Brigade, Mr. Sri Mohanan, Divisional Secretary for Tellippalai, Mr. Muralitharan, Additional Divisional Secretary (Land), Battalion Commanders, Government Officials, Senior Military Officers and invitees attended the inaugural occasion.
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