NEW YEAR FESTIVAL OF SF HQ CENTRAL HELD ON GRAND SCALE

Giving priority to traditional and fun-making folk games and collective events, the festive atmosphere across the country on account of the Sinhala and Tamil New Year made its presence at Security Force Headquarters (Central) by a marathon run, started from the main gate of Security Force Headquarters (Central) and then other New Year events held at Muthukumaru ground - Diyatalawa throughout 11 April 2016.

Commander Security Force (Central), Major General A P De Z Wickramaratne RWP ndu psc took time off to attend the festival, as the Chief Guest. Hoisting of the National flag by the Commander Security Force (Central), signaled the formal commencement of the day’s event, followed by lighting of the traditional oil lamp by the Commander in the model ‘GemiGedara’ (typical village house), which grabbed everyone's retraction.One-minute silence as is the practice in all Army events, honoured the memory of fallen War Heroes.

Raban playing, Cadjan weaving, tug-of-war, pillow-fights, grease pole climbing, eye-placing on the Elephant, bun-eating, fancy dress parades and a number of other traditional and fun-making games dominated the day’s proceedings to the much amusement of all the onlookers.

A food table of New Year Sweets refreshed Officers, Other Ranks and all who took part. At the end of the festival, Major General Wickramaratne, other distinguished guests and several other senior officers,who attended the event, gave away prizes and trophies to the winners in different events and competitions.

Later on the year's dazzling musical extravaganza, organized by SFHQ (Cenral), got underway in the presence of Commander Security Force (Central), Major General A P De Z Wickramaratne RWP ndu psc, senior officers, other officers and other ranks of number of military establishments in Diyatalawa Garrison, which was backed by the Beat Group of Sri Lanka General Service Corps in the Sri Lanka Army. Other Ranks, invitees and members of the civil staff enjoyed the event, which added fun. Day's proceedings were culminated by singing National anthem.