SLNS Sindurala hosts spectacular celebrations as naval splendor meets New Year joy

The Sri Lanka Navy, in collaboration with the Commercial Service of the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation and Haritha TV, hosted the "Sayuratha Surya Mangalya - 2025" Sinhala and Tamil New Year celebration on 14 Apr 25. The vibrant event took place aboard the Sri Lanka Navy Ship (SLNS) Sindurala, featuring rich cultural performances and traditional festivities.

The New Year festivities aboard SLNS Sindurala commenced at 0321 hrs, marking the arrival of the New Year’s first auspicious moment. As New Year celebrations spanned out, environmentalist Mr. Thilak Kandegama and Commanding Officer of SLNS Sindurala, Captain Mahesh Kulasiri held an informative discussion on the significance of the New Year and life of naval personnel serving onboard.

The event "Sauratha Surya Mangalya - 2025" came alive with rich displays of Sinhala and Tamil traditions, featuring folk games, cultural performances, and vibrant musical and dance showcases of the Navy. The public could tune in live to the events on the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation's (SLBC) Commercial Service, its social media platforms and Haritha TV. The celebration offered a unique experience, featuring traditional Avurudu games aboard a ship, marking a fresh twist on the festivities.

The Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda and the President of the Navy Seva Vanitha Unit, Mrs. Anusha Banagoda, graced the event as distinguished guests. They also joined the prize awarding ceremony, presenting prizes to the winners of events.

At the event, the Navy Commander conveyed his New Year wishes to all Sri Lankans, on the occasion of the Sinhala and Tamil New Year. He emphasized that beyond safeguarding national security, the Sri Lanka Navy also plays a vital role in fostering a cultured and compassionate society, in alignment with the vision of “A rich cultural life - A compassionate society”. Reflecting on the Navy's notable underwater New Year Festival in Trincomalee, he mentioned that "Sayuratha Surya Mangalya - 2025" introduced an innovative approach to sharing cultural traditions with the people. He also expressed gratitude to the SLBC Chairman and other collaborators for ensuring the event's success.

The event was attended by Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation Chairman, Professor Uditha Gayashan Gunasekara, senior and junior officers from the Navy Headquarters and Western Naval Command, sponsors, Navy Seva Vanitha members, sailors and a group of distinguished guests.