[2012-04-30 19:46:20]

Although main ceremonies with regard to the Sinhala and Hindu New Year are now over, functions organized to celebrate this cultural festival are still taking place here and there in the peninsula.

Accordingly, a Sinhala and Hindu New Year festival was organized by the 52 Division of Varani jointly with the Chavakachcheri Traders’ Association (CTA) and Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC) on 22nd April at the Chavakachcheri Urban Council ground.

The 523 Brigade, with guidance of the General Officer Commanding 52 Division Brigadier Anura Sudhasinghe, had included a large number of traditional sports and games in the programme for the people in the area. In the evening, the Brigade also organized a musical show for the entertainment of civilians.

Rev. Fr. Anton Selvanayagam of the Chavakachcheri South Indian Church, Director SLBC Mr. Kanapathipillai, Divisional Secretary Chavakachcheri Mrs. N. Ranjana, Commander 523 Brigade Colonel Channa Weerasooriya, President CTA Mr. Sri Prakash, Deputy Mayor Mr. Sathasivamoorthy, President’s Advisor on Hindu Affairs Mr. M. P. Ramachandran, senior Army officers and a large crowd of civilians were present at the events.

A glamorous firework display followed the musical show.

In the meantime, 521 Brigade of Point Pedro in collaboration with SLBC and Point Pedro, Karaveddy Divisional Secretariats organize another New Year festival at Nelliady Central College ground on 20th April.

With guidance of the Commander 521 Brigade Lieutenant Colonel Tikiri Dissanayake, Civil Affairs office of the Brigade organized this. GOC 52 Division, senior Army officers, distinguished guests in the area and a large gathering were present.