Vavuniya Garbs New Year Spirits & Festivities

The city of Vavuniya was transformed into a hive of festive activities and atmosphere due to the Sinhala and Tamil New Year festival organized by the Security Force Headquarters - Wanni (SFHQ-W) in the Vavuniya Municipality Grounds on Tuesday (10).

Major General Kumudu Perera, Commander, Security Forces - Wanni (SF-W) took the lead in organizing the event.

Contribution by Navy, Air Force, Civil Defence Force, state agencies, Traders' Association and all other civil organizations was well coordinated by the District Secretariat office, Vavuniya under the supervision of the District Secretary for Vavuniya, Mr. Somarathna Vidhanapathirana considering the national importance of the event.

Day’s events commenced with the start of the marathon run and the bicycle race that was flagged off by the Commander, Security Forces – Wanni, Major General Kumudu Perera.

Afterwards, traditional events began soon after the hoisting of the National Flag by the Government Agent for Vavuniya District, Mr. Somarathna Vidhanpathirana.

Traditional New Year games and features included model ‘Gami Gedara’, ‘Grease Pole Climbing’, Pillow-Fighting, Tug-of-War, Fancy Dress Parade, beauty pageants, balloon race, etc.

Religious leaders representing Buddhist, Hindu, Catholic and Islamic faiths invoked blessings at the outset. Deputy Inspector General of Police Vavuniya Mr. Deshabandu Thennakoon, Senior Superintendent of Police Mr. T.M.S.M Tennakoon, Assistant Divisional Secretaries, representatives from Tri Services and the President of Traders Association graced this occasion as distinguished invitees.

The SFHQ-Wanni also provided lunch to over 4000 civilians in a banquet-style ‘Dansela’ as a main part of the programme, supported by Officers and soldiers of the Security Forces in Wanni.

Main sponsors for the event were Nestle Lanka PLC and Nestomalt while the National Rupavahini worked as the media sponsor.