Sinhala and Tamil New Year Celebrations 2023

The 55 Infantry Division celebrated the Sinhala and Tamil New Year on 10th April 2023 at the Pallai Public Ground. The purpose of these joint celebrations of the New Year was to bring people of diverse backgrounds together in peace and appreciation of their differences. A sizable crowd and numerous notable guests marked the event.

Guests lighted oil lamps in the traditional manner to kick off the festivities. One of the earliest organized sporting events was the marathon. Then the customary activities began. Some examples are the grease tree, pillow challenge, braking the pots, tug-of-war, eyeing the elephant, coconut leaves weaving, coconut-scraping, play musical chairs, inflate a balloon, bun eating, sack race, the lime-on-spoon race, kolam rata, fancy dress up, etc. In addition, everyone was preoccupied with picking the New Year’s Prince and Princess Event. The winners had been showered with cash and expensive prizes from the guests. More than 1,000 people gathered for New Year activities and all participants were provided with refreshment and lunch.

Under the guidance of the Divisional Secretariat, at the same location also hosted a New Year's Fair. In the days leading up to New Year's Eve, a large number of Samurdhi recipients gathered to sell their products at a market. The enormous crowd there not only saw the celebrations but also took advantage of the sales to stock up on food and other necessities.

All day long, the crowd was kept upbeat by the many traditional dance acts. All of these activities were significant for the local Tamil population in the 55 Infantry Division area. Brigade Commander 552 Infantry Brigade Colonel Suresh Radellage activated the conceptual leadership of General Officer Commanding 55 Infantry Division Major General Prasanna Gunaratne. All coordination matters with the Divisional Secretariat, Pallai Police Station, Pallai Trade Association, other civilian groups, and donors had been handled by Lieutenant Colonel RRS Dehigala, Civil Affairs Officer 552 Infantry Brigade.

The chief guest was Major General Prasanna Gunaratne, and among the guests were the Senior Superintendent of Police for the Kilinochchi district Mr Ajith Gunaratne, the Divisional Secretary for Pallai, Mr Krishna Rajendran, the Commander of the 551 Infantry Brigade, Brigadier Jude Kariyakarawana, the Chief Inspector of the Pallai Police Station, Mr Kularathna, the Chairman of the Pallai Trade Association, Mr Kujanathan, Hindu Union representatives, and Social Activist and a donor Mr Mathan.

Staff Officers of 55 Infantry Division, Commanding Officers, and other Officers of Brigades and Battalions, and troops had contributed for the successful completion of the programme.