Deputy Minister of Defence Graces Colourful ‘Bakmaha Ulela’
Celebrations at Ministry of Defence
May 17, 2025
Deputy Minister of Defence Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd) attended the vibrant Sinhala and Tamil New Year festival, ‘Bakmaha Ulela’, organised by the Ministry of Defence at the Defence Headquarters Complex yesterday (May 16). The event, filled with traditional games, customs, and cultural performances, brought together military and civil staff in a spirited celebration of unity and heritage.
The festival, coordinated by the Ministry’s Welfare Division, featured enthusiastic participation from staff members across all divisions. It provided an ideal platform to celebrate Sri Lanka’s rich cultural traditions, fostering camaraderie and togetherness among all ranks.
Deputy Minister of Defenec Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), and several senior officials, including additional secretaries, the Chief of National Intelligence, and the Military Liaison Officer, were also in attendance.
The day’s festivities included traditional Avurudu games, cultural dance performances, and musical displays. A highlight of the event was the eagerly awaited selection of ‘Avurudu Kumari’ and ‘Avurudu Kumaraya’, where young staff members took to the stage adorned in traditional attire, adding colour and charm to the occasion.
The celebration concluded with a prize-giving ceremony where President Dissanayake and senior defence officials presented gifts to the winners of various competitions, recognising their enthusiastic involvement and sportsmanship.
The ‘Bakmaha Ulela’ at the Ministry of Defence highlighted the spirit of the New Year and underscored the importance of preserving cultural values within the defence community.
