Sri Lanka's military held several event's in the Vanni to 'celebrate' Tamil and Sinhala New Year, with civilians, including children, invited to take part.
The 66th and 663rd Brigades of the Security Forces Headquarters in Kilinochchi held an event each in Pooneryn (Poonakari) on the 8th and 10th of April. Major General A.P. De Z Wickramaratne, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 66 Division was chief guest at both events.
Famous Sinhala singers from the south graced the event in the Kiranchi playground, in the virtually exclusively Tamil town.
The Kilinochi military's 651 Brigade also organised an event in Mulankavil, in coordination with the local police station and trade society on April 11.
Presents and meal packs were distributed to civilians at the event.
The 7 Sri Lanka Light Infantry (SLLI) organised an event in Kanagapuram, Kilinochchi on April 10, with Colonel K.T.A.D.S Kolambathanthri, Brigade Commander of 571 Brigade, attending as chief guest.
Children of the Maha Dewa Ashram in Kilinochchi also participated in the event, along with children of military personnel.
Officers from the 54 Division and 61 Division of the SFHQ in Vanni held two events, on April 7 and April 10.
Major General Boniface Perera commander for the Vanni was chief guest and handed out prizes to civilians who were present. A musical show, with what was reported to be a Sinhala band, was held in the evening, with a giant lion the backdrop of the stage.