Sinhala & Tamil New Year Festival Celebrated in Kilinochchi

57 Division troops of the Security Force Headquarters - Kilinochchi (SFHQ-KLN) organized a Sinhala and Tamil New Year festival, together with the District Secretariat in Kilinochchi on Wednesday (11) at Kilinochchi Central College grounds under the guidance of Major General Vijitha Ravipriya, General Officer Commanding, 57 Division with a view to promoting cultural bonds of both Tamils and Sinhalese.

Major General Ajith Kariyakarawana, Commander, Security Forces - Kilinochchi graced the event as the Chief Guest. All Brigade Commanders, Commanding Officers, Senior Officers, Officers and all Other Ranks of the 57 Division participated in the event.

Lighting of the traditional oil lamp signified the commencement of the day's event. The festival included a variety of traditional and customary games. More than 1000 locals took part in the event and shared New Year spirits and joy with military personnel. Valuable prizes were also given away to winners and participants by the Chief Guest and other invitees.

The New Year Princess contest and the musical show were the highlights in the evening. More than 40 ladies in and around Kilinochchi area came forward to vie as the ‘Awurudu Kumariya’. Musical bands of Kurunagala ‘Asha’ and ‘Uthuru Sulanga’ of the Civil Security Department (CSD) coupled with dazzling dancing performances of ‘Shine Girls’ from Matale and ‘Uthuru Sulanga’ added thrill to the occasion.