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Sri Lanka Army

Defender of the Nation

25th April 2016 22:21:18 Hours

59 Division, 64 Division & 683 Brigade Mark New Year & Engage in Community Projects

Troops of the 59 Division serving under the Security Force Headquarters - Mullaittivu organized a New Year festival at the public grounds at Mullaittivu under the guidance of Major General P.U.S Vithanage, Commander, Security Forces - Mullaittivu (SF-MLT) on Saturday (23).

The event was graced by Mrs. R. Kethiswaran, District Secretary for  Mullaittivu as the chief guest, together with Major General P.U.S Vithanage, Commander, SF-MLT, Major General S.T.D Liyanage, General Officer Commanding (GOC), 64 Division, Brigadier N.D. Wanniarachchi, GOC, 59 Division, Brigadier P.A.D Kahapola, GOC, 68 Division and Brigadier Admin and Quartering (BAQ) as distinguished guests.

Many traditional and fun-making games and events, including pot cracking, pillow fighting, tug of war, cycle races, cadjan-weaving, grease pole climbing, fancy dress and selection of the New Year princess and prince, etc dominated the flow of the programme.

Senior Army officers including Navy and Police, Government officials, other ranks and residents in the area participated in the festival.

Winners in the games received gift parcels from the chief guest, SF Commander and distinguished guests.

In the meantime, another New Year festival was staged by Mullaittivu -based 64 Division at Oddusudan School Grounds with the participation of all Brigades, Battalions on April 24 under the supervision of Major General S.T.D Liyanage, General Officer Commanding (GOC.

The models, ‘Veda Gedara’, ‘Kopi Kade’, ‘Gemi Gedara’, ‘Arachchi Gedara’ and ‘Damila Gedara’, typical of different village houses in rural areas were found erected in the premises with its elegantly-clad occupants, symbolizing  ancient rites and rituals.

They attracted spectators to the venue as the surroundings in the model houses were also coloured by physical presence of those leading villagers.

Major General S.T.D Liyanage, General Officer Commanding (GOC), 64 Division as the Chief Guest, together with GOC, 59 Division, GOC, 68 Division BAQ, SFHQ - MLT and Brigade Commanders graced the occasion.

In the evening, all members of the Army were entertained to a musical evening on account of the New Year spirits.

Meanwhile, troops of the 683 Brigade organized another   New Year festival at the 683 Brigade premises in Udayarakattu area. 

At the invitation of the Commander, 683 Brigade, Brigadier P.A.D Kahapola, GOC, 68 Division graced the occasion as the chief guest.

During the festival, some folk games were held to coincide with the Bakmaha Ulela.

A large gathering including, Officers, other ranks, government officials and residents of the area participated in the event.

In the meantime, the same troops coordinated a National Identity Card distribution programme organized by Mrs Y.M.S Menike of Department for Registration of Persons at the same occasion.

New 237 Identity Cards were distributed among the residents of the area during the one day programme.

Brigade Commanders, Commanding Officers, Officers, Other ranks, government officers and residents of the area participated in the festival and enjoyed the day.