Mullaitivu beach which was the scene of intense battles just three years ago, turned festive Saturday with students Tamil, Muslim and Sinhala students enjoying the traditions of each others culture in a relaxed atmosphere away from their classrooms.
By mid-day a variety of new year games were worked out with children whooping and screaming with excitement. Pillow fights, dances by the indigenous veddhas, playing of the traditional Rabana (Drum) and climbing the greased pole were among activities that aroused keen interest.
A special feature of the festivities was the depiction of traditional Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim and Veddah homes with students dressed in traditional manner explaining the various cultural practices as visitors stepped into each specially constructed house.
Cultural performances will dominate the afternoon's activities before the students leave for their homes in Jaffna, Kilinochchi, Vavuniya, Mannar, Anuradhapura and other areas.
Two days of competitive sports preceded the New Year Festival helping the Muslim, Tamil and Sinhala students to bond together in the special programme organised by the Social Development Affairs Directorate of the President's Office undeer the Nena Guna Weduma; Sisu Diriya student empowerment programme which is in its sixth year.
By mid-day a variety of new year games were worked out with children whooping and screaming with excitement. Pillow fights, dances by the indigenous veddhas, playing of the traditional Rabana (Drum) and climbing the greased pole were among activities that aroused keen interest.
A special feature of the festivities was the depiction of traditional Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim and Veddah homes with students dressed in traditional manner explaining the various cultural practices as visitors stepped into each specially constructed house.
Cultural performances will dominate the afternoon's activities before the students leave for their homes in Jaffna, Kilinochchi, Vavuniya, Mannar, Anuradhapura and other areas.
Two days of competitive sports preceded the New Year Festival helping the Muslim, Tamil and Sinhala students to bond together in the special programme organised by the Social Development Affairs Directorate of the President's Office undeer the Nena Guna Weduma; Sisu Diriya student empowerment programme which is in its sixth year.
