08th April 2025 22:25:58 Hours
The Sri Lanka Corps of Military Police, in collaboration with the Seva Vanitha Branch, celebrated the Sinhala and Tamil New Year with a vibrant traditional festival on 6 April 2025 at the Sri Lanka Signal Corps Play Ground, Panagoda.
The celebrations were held under the esteemed guidance of the Military Secretary of the Sri Lanka Army and Colonel Commandant of the Sri Lanka Corps of Military Police, Major General ULJS Perera RSP USP nps psc and Mrs. Iresha Perera , President of the Seva Vanitha Branch, graced the event as the Chief Guests.
The festival commenced with the lighting of the traditional oil lamp at the beautifully constructed ‘Gami Gedara’ (village house), led by the Colonel Commandant and other dignitaries including Senior Officers and Regimental Sergeant Majors of the corps. They also visited key areas within the event premises. Traditional aesthetic performances brought colour and cultural richness to the celebration.
A wide array of traditional and fun-filled games comprising 26 events kept attendees entertained throughout the day. These included bun-eating contests, pillow fights, the selection of the New Year Prince and Princess (Avurudu Kumara and Kumari), eye-placing on the elephant, lime and spoon race, tug-of-war, fancy dress competitions, and more. The selection of the New Year Prince and Princess was carried out by renowned actress Ms. Nadeesha Hemamali, who joined the festivities as a special guest.
Towards the end of the event, the Colonel Commandant and other dignitaries including Senior Officers and Regimental Sergeant Majors of the corps, awarded gifts to winners of the various competitions. The day concluded on a high note with a lively musical performance by the Military Police Beat Band. The festival brought together all ranks and their families to mark the festive occasion in unity and joy.
Around 750 participants including the Provost Marshal of the Sri Lanka Army, Brigadier RD Sallay ndc the Logistics Commander of SFHQ (Central), Brigadier AMR Abeysinghe ndc the Centre Commandant of the Sri Lanka Corps of Military Police, Brigadier MMMP Mahesh Kumara along with senior officers, officers, members of the Seva Vanitha Branch, Other Ranks, and their family members participated for the event.
