Colombo, Sri Lanka, April 19 -- Sri Lanka Army issued the following press release:

19th April 2024 19:58:33 Hours

Divisional Secretariat, Haputhale in parallel with New Year celebrations held traditional Sinhala and Tamil New Year festival on 18 April 2024 at the Divisional Secretariat ground.

A large crowd of locals in the area joined the festival for celebration of the Sinhala and Tamil New Year. Under the instructions of Major General S.R.B Aluvihare RWP RSP ndu psc, the Commander of Security Forces - Central, the troops of Security Force Headquarters - Central (SFHQ - Central) provided their assistance to organize this event.

Tug-of-war, selection of the 'Avurudu Kumari' (New Year Princess), eye-placing on the elephant, bun-eating...