‘SOORYA UDANAYA 2025’ CELEBRATED AT SRI LANKA SCHOOL OF MILITARY ENGINEERING

Sri Lanka School of Military Engineering (SLSME) recently hosted its Sinhala and Tamil New Year festival on 06 April 2025 under the initiative of the Commandant of SLSME Colonel J A C S Jagoda psc. The festival was a family affair where for the first time both Officers and Other Ranks of SLSME got together to commemorate the event along with their families by giving priority to traditional folk games and collective events.

The Commandant of the SLSME Colonel Chamika Jagoda psc graced the event, ‘Soorya Udanaya 2025’ as the Chief Guest, together with his spouse Mrs Inosha Jagoda. Both of them were welcomed to the venue by Senior Officers and SNCOs. Lighting of the traditional oil lamp by the Commandant and a few other Senior Officers signaled the formal commencement of the day’s event.

Senior Officers, Other Ranks and the civil staff along with their families inclusive of 176 family members enjoyed the events in the New Year festival which added fun and amusement. The entire festival was done according the theme ‘Gemi Gedera’ which was built to bring out the traditional awurudu feeling. The day was filled with joy and laughter as attendees engaged in variety of traditional Sinhala and Tamil awurdu games, many couple events, events for children and fun making games dominated the day’s proceedings. The culmination of the event was marked after selection of the ‘ Sigithi Avurudu Kumariya’ (new year princess) and ‘ Sigithi Avurudu Kumaraya’ (new year prince). These activities not only brought out the competitive spirit but also strengthened bonds among participants.

At the end of the festival, Colonel J A C S Jagoda psc , other Officers and SNCOs gave away valuable and memorable gifts to the winners in different events and competitions by adding an extra layer of excitement to the celebrations. To ensure everyone could fully enjoy the festivities, accommodation as well as a buffet lunch and refreshments were provided for all Officers and all Other Ranks along with their families who participated for this blissful event.

The ‘Soorya Udanaya 2025’ at Sri Lanka School of Military Engineering was more than just an event it was a celebration of unity, tradition and shared values that bind the military community together. It served as a reminder of the importance of coming together to honour cultural heritage while looking forward to the year ahead with renewed enthusiasm and solidarity.