07th April 2018 23:00:35 Hours
With the intention of promoting religious and cultural reconciliation and peace among all communities, 66 Division has organized a Sinhala and Tamil New Year Festival at Old Dutch Fort - Poonaryn Ground on 05 April 2018 under the guidance of Major General Duminda Keppetiwalana, General Officer Commanding – 66 Division.
Many traditional games included in the festival like cycle race, marathon, gunny bag races, eye-placing on the elephant, grease-pole climbing, pot cracking, bun-eating, pillow fighting, tracing of hidden guest, tug-of-war, musical chairs, fancy dresses and several other games have organized in the entire event. More than 500 military and 1500 civilians participated for the events.
Commander Security Forces Kilinochchi, Major General Ajith Kariyakarawana graced the occasion as the Chief Guest with the General Officer Commanding 66 Division. Brigade Commanders, Commanding Officers, Officers, Other Ranks and civilians from Poonaryn area participated in the event. Finally, Chief Guest and other invitees presented the valuable prizes for winners of army and civilians who took part for the events. All Brigades and battalions under command to 66 Division gave their fullest support to make it successes.
Further, the musical show took place at evening for the entertainment of the soldiers as well as the civilians around the Poonaryn area. Divisional Secretary - Poonaryne, Pradeshiyasaba – Poonaryn and Government Servants in the area participated the event and it was a very close relationship with all government installations. It directly indicates the combination of the Military and the all other installations in the area. A special highlight in the event was the ethnic harmony by conducting such event and the promoting gestures of reconciliation and goodwill between the military and civilians.
At the end of the ceremony, all participants appreciated and gave their humble gratitude towards the Military personals and the Divisional Secretariat – Poonaryn for organizing such mega event for the Sinhala and Hindu New Year.
