Army Headquarters Celebrates New Year with Traditional Festival

The Army Headquarters organised a traditional New Year Festival to mark the Sinhala and Tamil New Year 2024 on Friday (05 April) at the Panagoda Army Cantonment with the participation of large crowd of gathering.

Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage RWP RSP ndu, the Commander of the Army together with Mrs. Janaki Liyanage, the President of Army Seva Vanitha Unit (ASVU) graced the occasion as the chief guest.

The Commander of the Army and the other invitees lit the traditional oil lamp at the designed traditional house (‘Walawwa’) and visited the special places in the premises. Traditional aesthetic events added colour to the festival.

Cadjan weaving, bun eating, pillow fights, raban playing, grease pole climbing, selection of the New Year princes - ‘Awurudu Kumari’, 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 were also held during the festival.

Towards the end, the Commander of the Army and special invitees gave away gifts and trophies to winners in different competitions. Thereafter, the Army Chief, addressing all those who were present, extended his best wishes for a happy and prosperous Sinhala and Tamil New Year and admired everyone’s contribution towards the success of the event. An entertaining musical event culminated the day’s programme.

Major General W.H.K.S. Peiris RWP RSP VSV USP ndu, Chief of Staff, Major General S.P.A.I.M.B. Samarakoon Hdmc Lsc, Deputy Chief of Staff, Principal Staff Officers, Senior Officers, Officers and Other Ranks participated in the festival.