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| Friday, 9 April 2004 |
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by Umangi de Mel The New Year heralds a fresh start while laughter of joy sails across the country and seeds of hatred are eliminated. Sri Lankans who have fought for long years come together to hold hands as they celebrate the 'Koha's (Koel) merry melodies. It's yet another Sinhala-Tamil New Year and the Sri Lankans await the excitement it brings. The New Year 2004 dawns in Hiyare, a beautiful village in Galle which has been a natural water reservoir before it was developed into a botanical garden. The Independent Television Network (ITN) has chosen the location for its special New Year celebrations. According to Newton Guneratne, Chairman ITN, 'Hiyare' is nearly 650 acres of land that shelters a multitude of flora and fauna. Hiyare also hides its remaining few brooks and streams emphasising on the water assets. The village is actually a fascinating creation of a Sri Lankan engineer. 'Sooriya Mangalya' or 'The festival of the Sun' is organised by the Galle Municipal Council, ITN, Lak-Handa Radio and ANCL," says Gunaratne. Backed by the Akmeemana Divisional Secretariat, Pradeshiya Sabha and Akmeemana Police Station, 'Sooriya Mangalya' promises a whole line-up of events for the New Year. "We started planning the festival in December. ITN has been around the country during the New Year but this is the first time we're going down South," he said. The festival's main objective is to mark the bond between humans and the environment. "Events will be held from April 12, 13 midnight. We've lined-up a variation of events from a cycle race, elephant race, go-cart race, pillow fights, swimming, boat races, raban competition and other races for children." Special features of the festival will be a display of delicious dishes confined to the Southern Province and a taste of low-country dancing. "Most of all, the festivals main focus will be the 'Avurudu Kumari' contest for which nearly 175 girls from the Southern Province will participate. We've already had the elimination rounds and the three finalists will be chosen on the last day of the festival," he said. Adding that Premasiri Hewawasam and Deepika Gunasekara will be among the panel of judges. Cash prizes will be awarded the winners. The Chairman said a traditional musical show called Avurudu Sajje will be staged after the auspicious times. "Musicians like Amaradeva, Victor Ratnayake, Weraliyadda, Nelu Adhikari and many others will participate. We've also invited Aitken Spence requesting their assistance to bring tourists," he says adding that it would be a good opportunity to project Sri Lankan culture and rituals. "Since we started the world service last month, more than 100 countries will be able to see the festival, live. It'll also be telecast over ITN, Gunaratna said. All Galle District MPs have been invited to 'Sooriya Mangalya' Guneratne said. |
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