MIR Celebrates New Year at Dambulla

The Sinhala and Hindu New Year festival was celebrated by the Mechanized Infantry Regimental (MIR) troops with the participation of residents of Dambulu- Halmillawewa and neighbouring villages at the Dambulu Halmillawewa School grounds on Monday (9).

Major General Kumudu Perera, Colonel of the Regiment, MIR and Commander, Security Forces – Wanni, graced the event as the Chief Guest. The event was ceremonially opened with hoisting of the National flag and the lighting of the traditional oil lamp.

The event was organized under the guidance of the Centre Commandant, Colonel Udaya Herath and close supervision of the Deputy Commandant, Lieutenant Colonel Kumara Wanasinghe with the support of the staff in the Regimental Centre.

The event included many varieties of traditional games and fun-making features in keeping with ancient customs which included Marathon, Bicycle Race, Tug of War, selection of Beauty Queen (Bakmaha Kumariya) and many more traditional games. The traditional ‘Gemi Gedara’ in the festival premises attracted much attention.

The event culminated with a colourful musical evening, backed by the regimental beat group. The event was sponsored by the Nestle Lanka Private Limited.

Brigadier Sumith Atapattu, Director Media at the Army Headquarters, Senior Officers, Officers and Other Ranks of the regiment including several distinguished civil guests in the area attended the ceremony.