Sinhala and Tamil New Year, ‘Bak Maha Ulela’ , organized by Factory Manager of Ranaviru Apparel (RVAPL) Allauwa together with his troops including differently able War Heroes, under the directions and instructions of Brigadier Senaka Dassanayake, the Commandant of RVAPL, was held customary way on Saturday (21st April) with the participation of several hundreds of troops and their families, giving priority to traditional New Year games and other associated fun-making games.

The Commandant, Brigadier Senaka Dassanayake as the Chief Guest of the event, together with several key appointment holders including Brigadier Kapila Ranaweera, Deputy Commandant, on arrival at the main entrance to the Factory, was warmly received by Lieutenant Colonel Chaminda Thibbotuge, Factory Manager of Ranaviru Apparel Alawwa, in the company of several other Senior Officers including its Project Officer.

After hoisting the National Flag and recital of the National Anthem followed by lighting of the Traditional Oil lamp, the Chief Guest of the event signaled the formal commencement of the day’s New Year games.

However. the traditional and fun-making games as well as collective competitions, such as Raban playing, eye-placing on the elephant, grease-pole climbing, pot cracking, bun-eating, pillow fighting, tracing of hidden guest, hurdle runs, lime balancing, tug-of-war, musical chairs, fancy dresses, needle and thread, selection of Apparel Kumariya and Apparel Kumara, etc, dominated the day’s agenda in the Apparel, ‘Bak Maha Ulela’.

The model, ‘Gemi Gedara’ (typical village house) in the premises constructed by troops symbolized the rites and rituals, associated with the tea table, filled with traditional sweetmeats made the event more traditional & colourful.

Later, Brigadier Senaka Dassanayake as the Chief Guest together with other guest gave away gifts to the winners in various games and competitions.

A music entertainment organized by Ranaviru Apparel Band and cultural dancing team afterwards entertained the gathering before ends the day’s programme.

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