Sri Lankan community marks New Year

THE Sri Lankan community in Lae over the weekend celebrated their traditional New Year, after more than a decade of not recognising the practice.
Families and friends got together to light candles resembling prosperity and enlightenment of life, shared traditional food and engage in friendly competitions.
Spokesperson Dinesh Wariyajola said traditionally, April 14 is recognised as the transition time of one zodiac sign to the other, a practice that dates back about 2500 years ago.
He said their culture was keen on following auspicious timing for everything including dining, starting a new job or religious activities.
“Normally, for traditional events of auspicious times, people gather in common place, participate in such competitions just to release their energy, enhance harmony and unity, as well as understanding among themselves,” he said. “Sri Lanka is multi-cultural and multi-national country where everyone lives with harmony.
“So we decided to organise this to enhance unity, harmony and understanding among Sri Lankans who live in Lae.
“There are about 70 Sri Lankans in Lae and about 300 throughout Papua New Guinea.
“We plan on upholding and safeguarding all our traditional values.”