Ninth National Scout Jamboree- 2016

The Ninth National Scout Jamboree was held from February 20-26, at the Municipal Grounds in Jaffna. It was organised by the Sri Lanka Scouts Association. The event coincided with 100 years of Scouting in the Jaffna district. This was the first time that a National Jamboree was held in the Northern Province.

President Maithripala Sirisena opened the ninth National Scout Jamboree at the Jaffna Central College. The opening rally was held with the Chief Commissioner, Prof. Nimal de Silva as the chief guest.

Over 8,000 Sri Lankan Scouts and over 200 Scouts from Nepal, India, Malaysia and Bangladesh participated in the event.

The theme of the Jamboree was Friendship and Understanding. President Sirisena commended the scout leaders including the Commissioner, Nimal de Silva who dedicated themselves to the Scout Movement in Sri Lanka. Northern Province Chief Minister C.V. Wigneswaran, the new Governor of Northern Province Reginald Cooray and Minister of Education, Akila Viraj Kariyawasam were also present.

Around 25 activities of adventure, skills, culture, environment, archaeology, traditional games, health and sustainable energy were conducted from 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. each day. The Activity Award was presented to the scouts who completed the minimum numbers of activities required.

The closing ceremony was held followed by the Arena Display Depicting the history of scouting in Sri Lanka followed by a musical presentation by the Air Force.

All campers received a clearance certificate before leaving.

Compiled by Husna Inayathullah