26th April 2018 07:21:38 Hours
The Sinhala and Tamil New Year festival Celebrated at Ambepussa Camp premises on Saturday (21) morning as both Officers and Other Ranks of the Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment and their family members joined hands together to celebrate the auspicious event, giving prominence to the traditional New Year games and other associated events.
Colonel of the Regiment, Major General Piyal Wickramaratne as the Chief Guest, took time off to inaugurate the day’s celebration, ‘Sinha Soorya Mangalaya - 2018’ at Ambepussa.
The Chief Guest welcomed by Brigadier Agith Pallawela, Centre Commandant, was conducted to the main venue in a procession, preceded by Ves dancers.
Hosting of the National flag by the Colonel of the Regiment of Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment and the recitation of the National anthem, marked the formal commencement of the day’s event.
The proceedings kicked off with games, like the raban playing, grease-pole climbing, pot cracking, eye-placing on the elephant, selection of the under 12 years old ‘Avurudu Kumari’ (New Year Princess), bun-eating, tug of war and several other games.
Construction of a model ‘Gemi Gedara’ (typical village house), erection of swings and the tea table with traditional sweetmeats remained a spectacle in the ground as officers, other ranks and their family members flocked to enjoy the day.
Chief Guest, senior officers in Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment, officers, other ranks, members of Army families and the civil staff enjoyed the arrangements in collective mood and festive spirits. During the New Year festival, several senior officers, their spouses gave away gifts to the winners in different events. At the end of the New Year festival, Colonel of the Regiment Sri Lanka Sinha regiment gave away gifts to the Wining Tug-of -war Team and “Sinha Aurudu Kumara”.
