The annual “Kitsiri Mela” New Year festival was held at the Deans Road junction in the Suduwella Municipal Division, Central Colombo Yesterday (23). The festival was organized by Mr. Kitsiri Rajapakse, Chief Organizer of the United National Party (UNP).
During the awards ceremony in the afternoon, President Ranil Wickremesinghe presented gifts to Hashini Chamudika, who was crowned as the Avurudu Kumariya of the Year, Senugi Radisha, who came in second, and Lakshika Ishara, who took third place.
The cycling champions were also awarded prizes and certificates by the President.
In addition, President Ranil Wickremesinghe handed over the keys to a new house built by Mr. Kitsiri Rajapaksa worth Rs. 5 million, a new shop worth Rs. 3 million, and a financial gift of Rs. 500,000 to Mr. Mohammad Ismail, who donated land adjacent to the Suduwella Sri Dharmaloka Daya Maha Viharaya. Chairman of the Urban Development Authority Mr. Nimesh Herath was also in attendance.
During the New Year festival, Mr. Kitsiri Rajapakse presented President Ranil Wickremesinghe with the “Janatha Prasadabhimani” award for his steadfast leadership in establishing law and order in the country. The President also had a friendly meeting with festival attendees, who thanked him for the opportunity to celebrate the Sinhala and Tamil New Year joyfully after a few years.
Many notable figures attended the event, including former Mayor of Colombo Mrs Rosy Senanayake, Member of Parliament Premanath C. Dolawatta and Mrs. Dolawatta, as well as a large number of politicians and businessmen.
