MANNAR civilians and members of the Security Forces and the Police had a series of New Year celebrations together for the first time in and around Mannar during the past week after an absence of about twenty-five years.
The one inside Mannar Area Headquarters premises, headed by Major General K.D.H.K Gunaratne, Commander, Security Forces, Wanni and Competent Authority for Northern Resettlement was replete with music, entertainment and amusement.
Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment ‘Green Jacket’ western music band that provided music to the occasion thrilled the spectators throughout the New Year celebration, coloured by eye-catching dancing performances, presented by Army troupes. All winners in New Year celebration games and events received valuable gifts at the end of the event.
Meanwhile, 212 Brigade had one more New Year celebration organized in the west of Omanthai, Mannar. The celebration covering 17 Grama Seva Divisions was attended by a large crowd of Tamil, Sinhala and Muslim civilians. Mannar District Secretary Mr Nicolai Pillai, General Officer Commanding, Area Headquarters, Mannar Brigadier M.A.M Dias and a number of NGO officials graced the occasion as invitees.
One more New Year celebration, organized in the Rice Bowl area, west of Omanthai attracted a large gathering of residents in the area. 215 Brigade has taken the initiative to organize this New Year festival. It was attended by Area Commander, Brigade Commander, Senior Officers and civilians including Grama Seva officials. Civilians as well as Security Forces and Police personnel actively took part in fun-making and traditional games such as pillow fights, pot cracking, balancing, grease pole climbing, musical chairs, bun eating, etc.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
