Large crowds at Pongal festival

Sandasen Marasinghe

A grand scale cultural show was organized to mark the Thai Pongal festival at the Jaffna Hindu College Main Hall by Jaffna Security Forces Headquarters on Sunday.

A large crowd including religious and community leaders, Civil Administrative Officials, scholars and schoolchildren gathered at the Jaffna Hindu College Main Hall to witness the cultural show.

Cultural events were presented by students of Jaffna Ramanathan College, Jaffna Methodist Girls’ High School, Kaithady Muthukumaraswami College, Inuvil Central College, Velanai Central College, Jaffna Hindu College, Thirumarai Kala Manram, Sai Samurdhi dancing schools and Army cultural troupe.

During the cultural show, winners of the Essay Competition conducted by Civil Affairs and Public Relations Office under the topic of “Paradigm Shift” and Art Competition on Anti Dengue Campaign were awarded with cash prizes and valuable gifts.

Commander SF-(J) Major General Mahinda Hathurusinghe, Jaffna Government Agent Emelda Sukumar, Jaffna University Vice Chancellor Prof N Shanamugalingam and Jaffna Mayoress Y Pathgunarasa distributed the prizes.

In addition, four consolation prizes were given to winners of each category.

A book “Paradigm Shift in the North” compiled with selected essays and comments by scholars was launched during the same function.

Jaffna Security Forces Head Quarters Commander Major General Mahinda Hathurusinghe presented the first copies to distinguished guests present on the occasion.