11th April 2018 09:29:15 Hours
On account of the forthcoming Sinhala and Hindu New Year, officers and soldiers of Security Forces (East) together with civil community got together throughout Sunday (08) at the Orr’s Hill grounds Trincomalee to celebrate the New Year giving prominence to the age old traditions. The event, organized by the Headquarters 22 Division was carried out as the main event of Security Forces (East) parallel to the series of programmes to be carried out in this festive season.
Commander Security Forces East Major General Santhusitha Pananwala took time off to attend the festival, ‘Soorya Mangalyaya 2018’ as the Chief Guest. Hoisting of the National flag by the the Chief Guest signaled the formal commencement of the day’s event. Senior Officers, Officers, Other Ranks, members of the civil staff, and civilians representing Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim community enjoyed the events in the New Year festival which added fun and amusement. In a way, this event was an instance which strengthened the bonds within ethnic groups to promote the unity.
Cadjan weaving, bun eating, pillow-fights, Raban playing, grease pole climbing, selection of the ‘Avurudu Kumari’ and ‘Avurudu Kumara’, princes 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 Santhusitha Pananwala Commander Security Forces East, Brigadier Sumith Premalal Commander 221 Brigade, Brigadier Deepal Pussella Commander 222 Brigade and several senior officers gave away gifts and trophies to the winners in different events and competitions. At the end of the New Festival buffet lunch was organized with the participation of invitees.
