17th April 2016 23:43:58 Hours
Members of the Sri Lanka Army across the country joined hands together with civilians for celebration of the Sinhala and Tamil New Year in the past few days.
Troops of the Security Forces - Kilinochchi (SF-KLN) organized a New Year festival at SF-KLN Headquarters ground on April 16. The ceremony was coloured by traditional games such as pot-cracking, Raban playing, Pillow fighting, Tug of War, etc.
Prior to the New Year, a special tea party was arranged at the Security Force Headquarters premises in Kilinochchi.
Winners in the New Year games were awarded gift packs.
Major General Amal Karunasekara, Commander, SF-KLN, all General Officer Commanders, Brigade Commanders, Officers and Other Rankers attended the event.
The New Year festival at 66 Division got underway under the supervision of Brigadier G. W. D. K Jayathilaka, General Officer Commanding (GOC), 66 Division on April 10. Major General Amal Karunasekara, Commander, SF-KLN attended the event as the Chief Guest. Civil dignitaries also took part in the event.
Another New Year festival, filled with traditional games and fun-making items got underway at the Security Forces - Central (SF-C) premises on April 11. Major General A.P. De Z Wickramaratne, Commander, SF-C attended as the Chief Guest for the festival. Amusement and traditions during the arrangement became prominent. Towards the end of the day’s event, the Commander, SF-C distributed gift parcels among the winners.
In the meantime, troops of the 12 Division under the SF-C, organized another New Year festival together with officers, other rankers and civil servants on April 08. Troops of the 12 Div organized a six a side cricket tournament on April 07 and a marathon run on April 08. Major General G. R. H Dias, GOC attended the event as the Chief Guest.
Another New Year festival was organized by Vavuniya-based 56 Division at 21 Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment premises with the participation of all Brigades, Battalions and Directorates on April 11. In the evening, all members of the Army were entertained to the musical evening on account of New Year spirits. During the evening, 37 dry ration packets were distributed among poor families in the area. Brigadier I. P Ranasinghe, General Officer Commanding of the 56 Division attended as the Chief Guest.
Meanwhile, a tea table with traditional sweetmeats was laid at the Security Forces - Mullaittivu (SF-MLT) on account of the Sinhala and Tamil New Year at SF-MLT auditorium where hundreds of all ranks enjoyed the day.
