The vibrant traditions of the Sinhala and Tamil New Year came alive on the 30th of April 2024 at General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, as students and staff gathered for the much-anticipated Awurudu Uthsawaya. The event was filled with cultural flair, traditional games, and heartfelt celebrations, reflecting the unity and harmony among the university community.
Organized with great enthusiasm, the celebration showcased the rich cultural heritage of Sri Lanka through a variety of activities such as kana mutti bindeema, tug of war, onchilla paddima, and many more traditional New Year games. Students from various faculties enthusiastically participated, adding energy and color to the occasion.
The event was skillfully compered by a talented group of students representing different faculties and languages. The Sinhala compères included Yasanga Harisinghe and A.A.S. Hansani Karunaratne from the Faculty of Management, Social Sciences and Humanities (FMSH), as well as H. Saneer from the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences (FAHS). English compering was handled by MAF Akeela from the Faculty of Medicine (FOM), and H. Saneer also contributed in English, showcasing bilingual versatility.
This multicultural and multilingual celebration served as a reminder of the shared values and collective spirit that bind the KDU community. It was not only a celebration of tradition but also a moment of joy and fellowship, reinforcing the values of unity, respect, and renewal that Awurudu symbolizes.
Amidst the vibrant celebrations of the KDU Subha Wasantham New Year festival, a special visit brought smiles to the Faculty of Management, Social Sciences and Humanities (FMSH). The newly crowned Awrudu Kumara, Madusha Premachandra, and Awrudu Kumariya, Rusasi Mapabandara, graced the faculty with their presence.
Their visit was a delightful occasion, adding a touch of traditional charm to the faculty’s New Year festivities. Students and staff warmly welcomed the radiant duo, who embodied the spirit and beauty of the Sinhala and Tamil New Year. Rusasi and Madusha, adorned in traditional attire, shared their joy and extended New Year greetings to everyone they met.
The visit served as a wonderful reminder of the cultural significance of the Awrudu Kumara and Kumariya tradition, symbolizing prosperity and goodwill for the year ahead. The FMSH faculty was honored by their presence, making the Subha Wasantham celebrations even more memorable.
