Kilinochchi Troops Mark Their Sinhala & Hindu New Year

The Sinhala and Hindu New Year festive season across the country made its entry to the Iranamadu tank bunds on Monday (9) with all Officers and soldiers of the Security Forces Headquarters – Kilinochchi, under command battalions and FMA – Kilinochchi joining hands together with one another to celebrate the auspicious event.

Commander, Security Forces - Kilinochchi, Major General Ajith Kariyakarawana graced the event as the Chief Guest, together with General Officer Commanding 57 Division, Major General Vijitha Ravipriya, General Officer Commanding, 65 Division, Major General Kuma Peiris, Commander Forward Maintenance Area, Brigadier Indrajith Vidyananda and Brigade Commanders, Commanding Officers, Officers. More than 1000 military personnel participated in the games.

The chain of collective events began to get off the ground soon after separate organizers gathered at specific places to flag off each event. A cross-country marathon run that took place early in the morning was competed by many all ranks serving in the Security Forces Headquarters Kilinochchi before the main ceremony got off the ground.

Traditional and merry-making games and collective competitions, such as gunny bag races, eye-placing on the elephant, grease-pole climbing, pot cracking, pillow fighting, tracing of hidden guest, tug-of-war, musical chairs, fancy dresses, selection of the ‘Avurudu Kumari’ (new year princess) and the ‘Avurudu Kumaraya’ (new year prince) and several other games coloured the event.

Major General Ajith Kariyakarawana and several Senior Officers during the festival spent a few minutes in typical model houses of Sabaragamuwa province, Uva province, Northern province, Central province, Western province, Southern province. He also took time off to go round the ground and speak to all Army personnel participating in various contests.

The typical model house belonging to Sabaragamuwa province constructed by 4 Military Intelligence Corps was awarded a special gift by the Chief Guest citing it as the most attractive and traditional house.

At the end of the New Year festival, Commander Security Forces - Kilinochchi and several senior officers gave away gifts to the winners in different events and competitions.