Pooneryn Civilians Join Hands with Troops in New Year Festival

With the intention of promoting religious and cultural reconciliation and peace among all communities, 66 Division of the Security Force Headquarters - Kilinochchi (SFHQ-KLN) organized a Sinhala and Tamil New Year Festival at Old Dutch Fort grounds in Pooneryn on Thursday (5).

Many traditional games were included in the programme like, cycle race, marathon, gunny bag races, eye-placing on the elephant, grease-pole climbing, pot cracking, bun-eating, pillow fighting, tracing of hidden guest, tug-of-war, musical chairs, fancy dresses and several other games.

More than 500 military and 1500 civilians join hands together to made the event a success.

During the same evening, a mega musical show presented a fine blend of Tamil and Sinhala music and thrilled many thousands of music lovers gathered at Old Dutch Fort ground. A display of fireworks also added colour to the festivities.

Commander, Security Forces Kilinochchi, Major General Ajith Kariyakarawana graced the occasion as the Chief Guest at the invitation of Major General Duminda Keppetiwalana, General Officer Commanding, 66 Division.

Finally, Chief Guest and other invitees awarded valuable prizes to Army and civil winners.

Divisional Secretary for Pooneryn and state employees, General Officer Commanding, 66 Division, Brigade Commanders, Other Ranks and civilians from Pooneryn area witnessed in the event.