The Sinhala/Hindu New Year begins when the sun moves from "Meena Rashiya" (the house of Pisces) to Mesha Rashiya (the house of Aries). It also marks the end of the harvest season. With this national event just around the comer, the Air Force "Avurudu Pola", the annual event organized by the Directorate of Welfare was held today (12 April 2019) at the ‘Rifle Green’ Grounds of SLAF Station Colombo.

The Commander of the Sri Lanka Air Force, Air Marshal Kapila Jayampathy graced the occasion as the Chief Guest and declared the Avurudu Pola open after the traditional lighting of the oil lamp. The Chairperson of the SLAF Seva Vanitha Unit, Mrs. Anoma Jayampathy also attended. The Commander visited all the stalls to witness for himself the large variety of goods which were ready for sale to SLAF personnel and their families.

Chief of Staff of SLAF, Air Vice Marshal Sumangala Dias, Members of the Air Force Board of Management of were present during the opening.

Officers, Airmen, Airwomen and civilian staff of the Air Force patronised the Avurudu Pola along with their family members and were seen happily buying various products offered at very concessionary rates at outlets operated by personnel representing SLAF establishments from all over the island.