A cheerful smile, a word of cheer, a little gift from one held dear. Many greetings with the customs and rituals connected. These make a prosperous and happy Sinhala and Hindu New Year. Being a significant festival to the people across the country, the Sinhala and Hindu New Year is celebrated with much pomp and fanfare. As whole Island takes on a festive mood as people gear up for upcoming celebration, the Sinhala and Hindu New Year festive season made its entry to the \"Russel Hein Playground\" on Tuesday, 11 April 2017 as Officers and Soldiers of RHQ SLLI joined hands together to celebrate this traditional event giving prominence to the traditional Sinhala and Hindu New Year games.
Colonel of the Regiment, Major General KADA Karunasekara RWP RSP VSV USP ndu psc graced the occasion as the Chief Guest to inaugurate the “Bakmaha Ulela 2017†together with the Hon. President of Seva Vanitha Branch SLLI, Mrs Dhananjani Karunasekara. Both of them were welcomed by Centre Commandant, Brigadier MM Kithsiri RWP RSP USP and Deputy Centre Commandant, Colonel GMN Perera RWP RSP and conducted to the main venue in a procession preceded by traditional dancers.
Hosting of national flag by the Chief Guest marked the formal commencement of the day’s event, followed by lightning of the traditional oil lamp by the Chief Guest and few other senior Officers. Marathon, grease pole climbing, cadjan weaving, bun eating, pillow-fighting, tug of war, kanamutti bideema, coconut scraping, lime and spoon, placing the eye on the elephant, fancy dress parade, beauty queen contest and several other traditional games dominated the “Russel Hein Playgroundâ€.
Major General KADA Karunasekara RWP RSP VSV USP ndu psc and Mrs. Dhananjani Karunasekara gave away gifts to the winners. Our special thanks go to Nestle Lanka Company for sponsoring the event with the worthy prizes. Many senior Officers, Officers and other rankers accompanied their beloved once and enjoyed the event.
