Jaffna town earlier burnt in the flames of the war in the recent past was illuminated by the light of peace, hope and prosperity on the Night of ‘Deepavali’, the Festival of Light, when the Security Forces Headquarters-Jaffna (SFHQ-J) joined Jaffna civilians in celebrating this festival of religious significance.
Main roads in the town were lit up with many thousands of coconut oil lamps placed by the Jaffna soldiers together with city dwellers. Sounds of crackers burnt by joyous crowds reverberated the air for hours as the people walked along the illuminated streets to feel the real sense of ‘Deepavali’ after thirty years. The selected area lit up with lamps remained once as a ground for heavy fighting during efforts made by Security Forces to eliminate the ruthless LTTE terrorists who pushed the ordinary life into anarchy and disarray.
Two senior religious dignitaries of venerated Nallur Hindu Temple, Commander Security Forces-Jaffna Major General Mahinda Hathurusinghe, District Secretary Jaffna Mrs. Imelda Sugumar and Brigadier B.C.J.A.F. Rodrigo of SFHQ-J participated in lighting lamps near the 51 Division Headquarters in Jaffna town.
The finale of the day’s celebration was marked with a grand musical extravaganza held in the vicinity of Weerasingham Hall. The renowned musical band “Agni”, performed until midnight to entertain the thousands of crowds gathered there to enjoy the night.
This year’s festival symbolizes the progress that the peninsula has hitherto achieved in the fields of economic and social development during a short span of time after the end of the war.
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