Kilinochchi &;amp; Jaffna Troops Contribute to Thaipongal Commemoration in Big Way

Troops serving the Security Force Headquarters - Kilinochchi (SFHQ-KLN) and the Security Force Headquarters - Jaffna (SFHQ-J), showing the highest respect and regard to the annual Thaipongal day alias Festival of Harvest (Jan 14) of Hindu devotees, made separate arrangements at Kilinochchi Kandaswamy Hindu Kovil and Elephant Pass, the gateway to the Jaffna peninsula.

Rev Kurukkal Shiva Sri Nam of the Kilinochchi Kandaswamy Hindu Kovil performed rites and rituals of the main Pooja and distributed Pongal rice among all the devotees, including a large gathering of troops. Members of the Security Forces assisted arrangements at the Kovil.

To coincide with the holy event, Major General Sudantha Ranasinghe, Commander, SFHQ-KLN on the same day visited Sencholai Children’s Orphanage at Kilinochchi and presented the inmates with 40 gift parcels. General Officer Commanding, 57 Division and several senior officers were associated with the event.

In the meantime, 55 Division Headquarters in Vettalaikerny, Jaffna under the SFHQ-J made elaborate arrangements to mark the event, close to the Hasalaka War Hero’s monument at Elephant Pass.

Erection of a model house with its typical farm yard, vegetable plots, dairy and other components, generally found inside a Hindu’s house in the peninsula at Elephant Pass by 55 Division troops, became the centre of attraction for all those who passed by along the A9 Road.

On account of Thaipongal, troops went on distributing Pongal milk rice among more than 3000 road users to signify the commemoration of the event.

At the same time, Hindu devotees in the area flocked to the Army-erected model house and enjoyed refreshments, served by the troops on account of the event. Around the same time, school children in the area, symbolizing cultural values, related to this special commemoration, joined hands together with visitors to the model house and displayed their aesthetic skills, providing entertainment to the occasion.

Rev Kurukkal Kathishwar at Palai Amman Kovil also attended the ceremony.  

Major General Udaya Perera, Commander, SFHQ-J as the Chief Guest took part in the event, together with Mr N. Thirulinganathan, Vadamarachchi (East) Divisional Secretary, District Health Services Director and Divisional Directors of Health, Grama Seva Officials and senior officers including General Officers Commanding, 55, 51 and 52 Divisions.