22nd April 2024 13:46:20 Hours
The troops of Sri Lanka Guard Unit (SLGU) celebrated the Sinhala and Hindu New Year on 13 April 2024 at the Gao Super Camp premises in Mali under the guidance of Colonel W.W.N.P Wickramaarachchi, the Contingent Commander of SLGU at Mali in United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA).
The festival commenced after the Contingent Commander of SLGU, lighting the traditional oil lamp along with several other invitees. A number of traditional and cultural events and games featured in the festival such as grease pole climbing, pillow fighting, breaking pots, tug-of-war, place the elephant eye, playing musical chairs, balloon dance etc.
The Contingent Commander, addressing all those who were present, extended his best wishes for a happy and prosperous Sinhala and Tamil New Year and admired everyone’s contribution towards the end of the event.
The United Nations officials, Mali Armed Forces representatives and the contingent members of SLGU were present at the occasion.
