Sri Lankans celebrate Sinhala and Hindu New Year in Manila

MANILA: The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Manila celebrated the Sinhala and Hindu New Year at the Embassy premises, Dasmarinas Village, Makati City with the participation of Sri Lankan community in the Philippines on April 15.

The event held giving prominence to the customs and traditions of Sri Lanka that the nation has been endowed with, in the annals of its history of over two thousand years. The rituals, various games and sports were the highlights in the celebration which gave pleasure and fun among the enthusiastic participants.

The event also set a stage to foster national unity, harmony, mutual understanding, peace and strengthening relationship among Sinhala, Tamil, Muslims and other regardless race and religion.

The New Year celebration commenced with singing of National Anthem of Sri Lanka followed by the lighting of the traditional oil lamp with the participation of representatives of multi-ethnic communities.

The guests were cordially welcomed by Ambassador W. M. Senevirathna, in his New Year speech. He said, that the Sinhala and Hindu New Year has become a national event. This is a time to reflect collectively on why and where we have gone wrong and on how we could put things right. Ambassador concluded his speech wishing "May the Sinhala and Hindu New Year be peaceful and happy".

Five precepts were observed according to Sri Lankan rites, and the anointing of oil was conducted at the auspicious time by the Thalampitiye Sumangala Thera, Sri Lankan Buddhist Priest based in Manila with blessings for good health and prosperity.

A New Year table was arranged with Sri Lankan sweets, oil cakes and other delicacies for the purpose of feasting the participants and Sri Lankan tea was also served before the commencement of the programme. Other events organised by the Embassy staff was national (traditional) games for children, youth and adults.

Weaving cadjans, fancy dress parade and jana gee gayana, obstacles and balancing races, breaking the clay pots were some of the most enjoyable games amused the gathering. Prizes were given for those victorious in various traditional games. The event ended in enjoying Sri Lankan traditional sweet meats and delicious authentic food.