'Living in Harmony'

by Ananda KANNANGARA

The Grand Campfire, a six-a-side cricket match and a musical show are some of the unique features of the 46th Colombo Camporee-2009, which will be held from August 14 to 18 at the Vihara Maha Devi Park in Colombo. The Camporee will be organised by the Colombo District Scout Branch Association.

Wathsala Wijewickrema

"Living in Harmony" is the theme of this year's Camporee and it will be conducted under the sponsorship of Uni Lever Ceylon Limited, the makers of 'Life Buoy'.

First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa will take part in the final day as the chief guest of the Camporee on the invitation of Colombo District Assistant Scout Commissioner Wathsala Wijewickrema.

A number of leading present and past officials of the Sri Lanka Scouts Association will attend the Camporee conducted under the guidance of District Commissioner Janaprith Fernando. All activities at the park are organised by the Sri Lanka Army, Navy, Air Force and Police.

Colombo District Assistant Scout Commissioner and Sri Lanka's first ever lady Commissioner to organize a Camporee, Wathsala Wijewickrema highlighted the importance of conducting this nature of events every year and said such events would pave the way for children of various ethnic groups to meet and share their views with one another.

"Their get-together will immensely help to cultivate the harmony and friendship among communities," she said.

She said 3,000 scouts from Colombo and outstation schools and another batch of about 2,500 cub scouts will take part in the Camporee.

"In addition, girl guides and about 40 disabled scouts will also make their representation," she said.

She said a large number of scouts from leading schools in the northern and eastern districts would participate in this year's Camporee.

A special program has been planned to hold a variety of educative and enjoyable activities.

"Among the other events which have been planned, in the `Skill-O-Rama' which includes a mini version of an obstacle course of the Armed Forces.

It will be of interest to the scouts, cubs and even the adventure minded girl guides," she said. "Some of the events scheduled to be held archery, air rifle shooting, tarzan rope, high rope walk, scramble net, water crossing and talent shows," she added.

Pic: Nishani Liyanage