[2012-04-14
15:03:50]
Coinciding
the dawn of Sinhala and Hindu New Year, Security Forces - Jaffna
(SF-J) in collaboration with the Independent Television Network
(ITN) organized the annual New Year celebration “Soorya Mangalya”
at Marathady Pillayar Kovil in Manippay. The festival which
included a range of traditional sports events was conducted for
four days commencing from 11th April.
Swimming,
marathon, bicycle race and a few other competitions were held
during the first two days at different places in Manippay while
main events were held on 13th and 14th at beautiful Manippay Marathady
Pillayar Kovil site.
Events on
the 13th and 14th April took place with attendance of Commander
Security Forces - Jaffna (SF-J) Major General Mahinda Hathurusinghe
as Chief Guest. The festival site had been made identical to a
typical Hindu village. In addition to large crowds from Manippay,
Sandilippay, Chankanai, Ilavalai, Chunnakam, Pandithirippu, Navali
and other neighbouring villages, civilians from distant areas
such as Chavakachcheri, Kodikamam and Pallai gathered to the Kovil
site to take part in competitions.
During the
festival, New Year customs were observed at auspicious time according
to the almanac and Commander SF-J and GA Jaffna Mrs. Emelda Sukumar
joined the villagers and soldiers present at the Marathady Pillayar
Kovil premises on 13th night to follow customs at auspicious times.
Programme
continued on the 14th and winners of competitions received their
valuable prizes from Maj. Gen. Hathurusinghe and distinguished
guests. Commander 513 Brigade Brigadier Pradeep Silva, 513 Civil
Affairs Officer Lieutenant Colonel Sarath Amarasinghe, Commanding
Officers and all ranks of 11th Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment, 11th
Sri Lanka Light Infantry and 14th Gemunu Watch coordinated with
the ITN and Jaffna GA’s office in organizing the “Soorya Mangalya
2012”. On guidance of GA Jaffna Mrs. Emelda Sukumar, Divisional
Secretary of Sandilippay Mr. S. Muralitharan cooperated with the
513 Brigade to organize a successful New Year festival for civilians.
Hindu Priests,
officials of Jaffna civil administrative sector, officials of
ITN and other sponsor firms, senior military officers and large
crowds attended the festival all four days.
The whole programme was live telecast on ITN.
