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12th April 2025 07:04:49 Hours
The Headquarters of the Volunteer Force took its hues with the bliss of forthcoming new year , and a festive event was colorfully celebrated at the Headquarters of the Volunteer Force abiding to the cultural and traditional formalities under the auspicious of Major General D K S K Dolage USP nps psc , the Commandant of the Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force (SLAVF) on 09 April 2025 .
The sense of feast summited with the arrival of B M R J Bandara - the Deputy Commandant (Overlooking) SLAVF who was accompanied by a customary cultural procession.
Invoking the light of auspiciousness, the ritual of lighting the oil lamp heralded the beginning of the new year celebrations and the propitious occasion.
The festive occasion was featured with an array of traditional games and activities, including Kotta Pora (pillow fighting), Kana Mutti (pot breaking), Tug-of-war competitions and Musical Chair, fostering camaraderie and team spirit among participants. Creating a festive atmosphere for all ages, children indulged in the events such as Bun-eating contests, Balloon-blowing competitions, Placing the Eye on the Elephant and Musical Chair.
A significant feature of the aurudu festival, the Avurudu Kumara and Kumari contest was held with the participation of young members of the Headquarters. The participants who received places from the games were awarded with avurudu gifts presented by well-wishers who joined hands with the Volunteer Force to celebrate the seasonal festivity.
A tea ritual abundant with sweetmeats was shared by the gathering symbolizing the solidarity among the community and the preservation of a rich tradition of Sinhalese.
The event was attended by Brigadier A M C Abeykoon RWP RSP USP ndc - the Principal Staff Officer, Senior Officers, Officers, other ranks, civil servants and their family members of the Volunteer Force. Their participation underscored the significance of the festival in promoting cultural values and community relations within the area of responsibility.
The organization of the New Year festival is exemplified the devotion of the Sri Lanka Army to preserve traditions on this soil while facilitating the welfare of its personnel and their families through communal celebrations. In such an inspiration with the celebration of New Year, the Commandant SLAVF extended his seasonal greetings to all the serving members including their families for health, prosperity and happiness.
