SFHQ-E Celebrates New Year in Trincomalee

On account of the forthcoming Sinhala and Hindu New Year, officers and soldiers of the Security Force Headquarters - East (SFHQ-E), together with civil community in Trincomalee area got together throughout Sunday (08) at the Orr’s Hill grounds in Trincomalee and celebrated the New Year giving prominence to age-old traditions and games.

The event, organized by the 22 Division Headquarters was conducted as the main highlight in the province.

Commander, Security Forces - East (SF-E), Major General Santhusitha Pananwala took time off to attend the festival, ‘Soorya Mangalyaya - 2018’ as the Chief Guest. Hoisting of the National flag by the Chief Guest signalled the formal commencement of the day’s event. Senior Officers, Officers, Other Ranks, members of the civil staff, and civilians representing Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim communities 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’, 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.

During the festival, Major General Santhusitha Pananwala, Commander, Security Forces - East, Brigadier Sumith Premalal, Brigade Commander, 221 Brigade, Brigadier Deepal Pussella, Brigade Commander, 222 Brigade and several senior officers gave away gifts and trophies to the winners in different events and competitions. At the end of the New Year Festival, a buffet lunch was organized with the participation of invitees.