SECURITY FORCE HEADQUARTERS (EAST) CELEBRATES NEW YEAR

On account of the forthcoming Sinhala and Hindu New Year, officers and soldiers of the Security Force Headquarters - East, got together throughout Tuesday (09) at the Headquarters grounds and celebrated the New Year giving prominence to age-old traditions and games.

Major General Aruna Jayasekera, the Commander, Security Forces - East, took time off to attend the festival, ‘Soorya Mangalyaya - 2019’ as the Chief Guest. At the typical ‘Gami Gedara’ that displayed the Sri Lankan heritage, the Chief Guest lighting the traditional oil lamp symbolizing the commencement of the event. Senior Officers, Officers, Other Ranks, and members of the civil staff enjoyed the events in the New Year festival which added fun and amusement.

Bun eating, Pillow-fights, Raban playing, Grease pole climbing, Selection of the ‘Avurudu Kumari’ and ‘Avurudu Kumara’, and Prince of the New Year, Eye-placing on the Elephant, Slow cycling, Tug-of-war, Fancy dress parade and a number of other traditional and fun-making games dominated the day’s proceedings to the much amusement of all the onlookers.

During the festival, Major General Aruna Jayasekera, Commander, Security Forces - East, Brigadier Wanditha Mahinkanda – Brigadier GS, Brigadier Michael Wanniarachchi – Brigadier AQ and several senior officers gave away gifts and trophies to the winners in different events and competitions. At the end of the New Year Festival, a buffet lunch was organized with the participation of invitees.