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Sri Lanka Army

Defender of the Nation

Army Headquarters Marks Sinhala &;amp; Hindu New Year With a Traditional New Year Festival

Festive atmosphere across the country on account of the forthcoming Sinhala and Hindu New Year made its presence at Colombo Malay Cricket Club Grounds throughout Thursday (11) morning when both officers and soldiers serving the Army Headquarters, got together to mark the event by holding a New Year festival giving prominence to the age old Traditions.   

Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya took time off to attend the festival, ‘Bakmaha Ulela 2013’ 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 colourful procession.
 
Hoisting of the National and Army flags by the Commander of the Army and the Commandant Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force respectively, signaled the formal commencement of the day’s event, followed by lighting 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 National anthem and the Army song were sung by all those who were present to the tune of the Army Band.   

Senior officers at the Army Headquarters, senior 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 ‘Avurudu Kumari’ and ‘Avurudu Kumara’, princes and prince of the New Year, eye-placing on the Elephant, slow cycling, 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.