Troops Serving Kilinochchi Area Join with Civilians to Mark New Year Festival

With the avowed intention of promoting reconciliation and harmony among all communities, 65 Division troops of the Security Force Headquarters - Kilinochchi (SFHQ-KLN) recently held a Sinhala and Tamil New Year festival at Mulankavil Public Ground under the guidance of Major General Sarath Weerawardena, General Officer Commanding (GOC), 65 Division.

Many traditional and fun-making games, like the bicycle race, marathon, gunny bag races, eye-placing on the elephant, grease-pole climbing, pot cracking, bun-eating, pillow fighting, tracing of hidden guest, tug-of-war, musical chairs, fancy dresses, selection of the ‘Avurudu Kumari’ (new year princess) and ‘Avurudu Kumaraya’ (new year prince) and several other sports, were among the highlights that dominated the day’s chain of events. A large gathering of civilians and Security Force personnel participated in those events and enjoyed the day.

A mega musical evening that presented a fine blend of Tamil and Sinhala melodies, organized by the 65 Division, thrilled many thousands of music lovers, gathered at Mulankavil Public Ground and a show of fireworks embellished the event. Members of Kilinochchi civilians got an exclusive opportunity to enjoy their favourite songs of both languages be sung on the same stage continuously for more than four hours.

Major General Ajith Kariyakarawana, Commander, Security Forces - Kilinochchi graced the occasion as the Chief Guest at the invitation of the GOC, 65 Division. Chief Guest and other invitees gave away valuable prizes for winners in all events.

GOCs, Brigade Commanders, Senior Police Officers, State Officials, Other Ranks and civilians from Kilinochchi area enthusiastically took part in the event.

All Brigades and battalions under command to the 65 Division gave their fullest support to make the event a success. Mulankavil Police Station and Vinayagar Sports Club members also contributed to its success.

In the meantime, a New Year Festival organized by the troops of the 20 Battalion of Sri Lanka Light Infantry in Pooneryn as an attempt to promote reconciliation between the Security Forces and civilians got underway at Pooneryn. Various traditional games and other fun-making events were conducted throughout the day where Colonel Rohan Ponnamperuma, Commander, 662 Brigade attended as the Chief Guest.

More than 300 civilians including 120 pre-school children and 80 primary students with their parents participated in the festival.

Meanwhile, 2 Sri Lanka National Guard troops under the 663 Brigade also organized another Sinhala and Tamil New Year festival at Wannerikulam Play Ground with the patronage of Nestle Lanka Company.