Wanni Troops Enjoy New Year Flavour

Security Force Headquarters - Wanni (SFHQ-W) held its Sinhala and Hindu New Year - 2018 on a grand scale on the instructions of the Commander, Security Forces - Wanni (SF-W), Major General Kumudu Perera at the Headquarters premises on Saturday (21).

All officers and soldiers serving the SFHQ-W and its affiliated battalions gathered for the event which commenced giving priority to customs signifying Sinhala and Tamil New Year traditions.

The Commander, Security Forces - Wanni, Major General Kumudu Perera was the chief guest and his beloved mother, Mrs. Piyaseeli Perera graced the occasion as a special guest.

After hoisting the national flag and the lighting of the traditional oil lamp, Commander, Security Forces – Wanni signalled the formal commencement of the day’s New Year games. Brigadier General Staff Brigadier Kuma Jayapathirana and Brigadier Administration and Quartering Brigadier Ranjan Premalal were instrumental in organizing and supervising the entire event.

During the progress of the event, the Commander and other distinguished invitees participated in customary traditional rituals to mark the dawn of the Sinhala and Tamil New Year.

Lighting of the hearth, commencement of work, first transaction and partaking in the first meal were symbolically done at the auspicious time inside the model ‘Gemi Gedara’. That was followed by a visit to the organic farm maintained in the ‘Gemi Gedara’ premises.

Thereafter, a number of traditional and fun-filled games such as bicycle races, road runs, pillow-fighting, raban playing, grease pole climbing, placing eye on elephant, slow cycling, tug-of-war, fancy-dress parade and beauty pageants dominated the day’s proceedings to the amusement of all onlookers.

General Officers Commanding 61, 62 and 56 Divisions, Principal Staff Officers of the SFHQ-W, Commanding Officers of under command battalions, all Other Ranks in the SFHQ along with some family members and civil employees were present during the mega event.