Festive atmosphere across the country on account of the forthcoming Sinhala-Hindu New Year made its presence at Colombo 2 Moors Sports Club Grounds throughout Tuesday (10) morning when both officers and soldiers serving the Army Headquarters, got together to mark the event by holding a fun-making New Year festival.
Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya took time off to attend the festival, ‘Army Headquarters Bakmaha Ulela’ as Chief Guest, together with Mrs Manjulika Jayasuriya, President Seva Vanitha Army Branch (SVAB). Both of them were conducted to the main stage in a procession.
Hoisting of the National and Army flags by the Commander and the Deputy Chief of Staff respectively, signalled the formal commencement of the day’s event, followed by the traditional oil lamp by the Commander and a few other senior officers. One-minute silence as is the practice in all Army events, honoured the memory of fallen War Heroes after the Army song was sung.
Senior officers at the Army Headquarters, SVAB members, Other Ranks and members of the civil staff enjoyed the events in the New Year festival which added fun and amusement.
Cadjan weaving, bun eating, pillow-fights, Raban playing, grease pole climbing, selection of the ‘Awurudu Kumari’, princes of the New Year eye-placing on the Elephant, lime balancing, slow cycle-peddling, tug of war, fancy dress parade and a number of other traditional and fun-making games dominated the day’s proceedings to the much amusement of all the onlookers.
At the end of the festival, Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya and several senior officers gave away gifts and trophies to the winners in different events and competitions. A buffet lunch culminated the day’s agenda with Officers and all Ranks participating.
Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya took time off to attend the festival, ‘Army Headquarters Bakmaha Ulela’ as Chief Guest, together with Mrs Manjulika Jayasuriya, President Seva Vanitha Army Branch (SVAB). Both of them were conducted to the main stage in a procession.
Hoisting of the National and Army flags by the Commander and the Deputy Chief of Staff respectively, signalled the formal commencement of the day’s event, followed by the traditional oil lamp by the Commander and a few other senior officers. One-minute silence as is the practice in all Army events, honoured the memory of fallen War Heroes after the Army song was sung.
Senior officers at the Army Headquarters, SVAB members, Other Ranks and members of the civil staff enjoyed the events in the New Year festival which added fun and amusement.
Cadjan weaving, bun eating, pillow-fights, Raban playing, grease pole climbing, selection of the ‘Awurudu Kumari’, princes of the New Year eye-placing on the Elephant, lime balancing, slow cycle-peddling, tug of war, fancy dress parade and a number of other traditional and fun-making games dominated the day’s proceedings to the much amusement of all the onlookers.
At the end of the festival, Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya and several senior officers gave away gifts and trophies to the winners in different events and competitions. A buffet lunch culminated the day’s agenda with Officers and all Ranks participating.
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