In view of promoting goodwill and reconciliation amongst the soldiers and the civilians 233 Brigade in 23 Div under the Security Force Headquarters-(East) organized a Sinhala and Hindu New Year Festival at "Wakare" Divisional Secretariat Office play ground in Wakare on 19 April 2013 ,with the assistance of Dialog Plc branch Batticaloa. Traditional events such as Tug-of-War, Marathon, Cross Country Race, pillow-fights, cycle race, climbing the grease pole and crowning the New Year Queen drew much attraction of the villagers as well as soldiers. The New Year festival was followed by a musical show backed by the Sri lanka National Guard Battalion beat group when was witnessed by more than 3500 civilians. Commander 233 Brigade Brigadier WS Ariyasinghe RSP graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Mr R Ramula Nayeki Divisional Secretary-Wakare representatives of police and a large number of villagers and many senior military/Govt officers were present at the occasion.
