Vandaramulla Central College Ground Wears New Year Festive Garbs

23 Division troops under the Security Force Headquarters - East (SFHQ-E), adding their share to the celebration of the New Year, had a separate festival, organized at Vandaramulla Central College ground on Saturday (22) with the participation of all ethnicities.

Rekindling long-lasting bonds of harmony, goodwill and co-existence that exist between nature and humankind, 23 Division troops joined hands, together with all ethnic groups in the area to celebrate the annual 'Soorya Mangallaya' with pomp and ceremony, giving pride of place to traditional New Year games during the event.

A large gathering of civilians of all communities (Sinhala, Tamil, Moors) participated in the New Year Festival, comprised of many games of fun-making and traditional nature such as marathon races, bicycle races, eye-placing on the elephant, grease-pole climbing, pot cracking, pillow fighting, tracing of hidden guest, hurdle runs, cadjan-weaving, tug-of-war, musical hat, fancy dresses, counting of papaya seeds, kabaddi, selecting of new year prince and princess, etc.

Members of the clergy from all religions performed religious rites and prayers before the start of the event where District Secretary for Batticaloa Mrs. P.S.M Charles took part in it as the Chief Guest.

General Officer Commanding, 23 Division, Major General H.W.S.D.B Pananwala, Senior DIG for the Eastern Province Mr E.A Sumith Edirisinghe, senior government officials and senior military Officers participated as guests. Winners in respective events and sports were awarded valuable prizes.