08th April 2024 13:36:40 Hours
The festive atmosphere across the country on account of the Sinhala and Tamil New Year was evident at RHQ SLAC on 08 April 2024, in the morning when officers and soldiers of SLAC came together to commemorate the event by holding a New Year festival, giving priority to traditional and fun-filled folk games and collective events.
The Commander Security Forces (West) and the Colonel Commandant of SLAC, Major General S W M Fernando WWV RWP RSP VSV USP ndc psc, took time off to attend the festival, 'Bakmaha Ulela 2024', as the Chief Guest, together with Mrs. Samangka Fernando, President of the Armour Ladies Club (ALC).
The hoisting of the National and Armour Flags by the Colonel Commandant of SLAC and Brigadier W A S R Wijedasa WWV RSP USP ndc psc, Deputy Commandant DSCSC respectively, signaled the formal commencement of the day's events, followed by the lighting of the traditional oil lamp by the Colonel Commandant and a few other senior officers, SNCOs, and NCOs.
A one-minute silence, as is the practice in all Army events, honored the memory of fallen War Heroes after the National anthem and the Armour song were sung by all those present. Senior officers, Other Ranks, members of the civilian staff, and family members enjoyed the events at the New Year festival, adding to the fun and amusement.
Tug-of-war, pillow fights, grease pole climbing, selection of the 'Sigithi Avurudu Kumara and Kumari' (little New Year prince and princess) and 'Avurudu Kumaraya' (New Year prince), eye-placing on the Elephant, bun-eating, and a number of other traditional and fun-filled games dominated the day's proceedings, much to the amusement of all the onlookers.
Further, The Colonel Commandant and other Senior Officers had an interactive session adding New Year wishes to all ranks and their family members at the premises.
At the end of the festival, Major General Mahendra Fernando, several senior Officers and members of the ALC gave away gifts to the winners of different events and competitions.
