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| Sunday, 2 May 2004 |
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Bakmaha Ulela on grand scale in Kuwait by Daya Lankapura BAKMAHA ULELA 2004 was held in Kuwait on April 23 to celebrate the Sinhala, Hindu New Year, at the Keifan Stadium. It was organised by Sri Lanka Cultural Association and sponsored by Sri Lanka Embassy in Kuwait. While the children of the Sri Lanka school sang the Sri Lanka National Anthem, Acting Ambassador for Sri Lanka in Kuwait S.M.J.B. Subasinge, Second Secretary D.A.W. Wanigasooriya, People's Bank General Manager Asoka de Silva, Sri Lanka Cultural Association President Gamini Wijerathne and Secretary A.M. Iqbal and Kuwaiti businessman Hadil Kaja hoisted the Sri Lanka National Flag, Kuwait National Flag and the Sri Lanka Cultural Association flag. The Bak Maha Ulela organised by the Sri Lanka community has become a mega event in the desert country. According to an official of the embassy, the Sinhala, Hindu New Year celebration is one of the best organised events in the Middle East. Sri Lankans working in Kuwait told the " Sunday Observer" that they make it a point to attend the Bak Maha Ulela as it makes them feel that they are taking part in the celebrations in their Motherland. "This also gives us an opportunity to meet our friends and others who have come from Sri Lanka. We share our experiences, thoughts and live the spirit of unity that keeps us bound together to our roots although we live thousands of miles away from our country", Priyadharshani, a young woman from Mahawa said. The celebrations included field events, breaking the pot by blind-folded persons, placing the eye on the elephant, fancy dress competition and other items that kept the crowd cheering. Songs and dances were performed with music provided by group "Nirmana". Suneth Walpola and Sri Nimal Padmakumara entertained the crowd with their singing rendition of popular songs. Children trained by Sandya Kodagoda presented several dance items at intervals. Crowning of the Bak Maha Kumari was the climax of the day's events. Out of 19 contestants, P.N. Seetha Ranjani of Meetiagoda Mahawatta, Ambalangoda was named the "Kuwait Bak Maha Kumari". The first runner-up was Amitha Chandanee Nilaweera of Dehiwala and the second runner-up was Udeshini Niranga of Hansa Avenue, Mutwal. Hasantha Sri Lal Hettiarchchi, Sri Nimala Padmakumara and Baba Sale were the judges of the event. Dayani Marasinghe from Kegalle won the first prize, Lancer car at the lottery draw. |
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