IN a day filled with traditional food, fun and games, the Sri Lankan community of Swan Hill reunited to welcome a new year last month.
Families from Melbourne, Bendigo and Ballarat returned to Swan Hill to celebrate what they call Aluth Avurudda.
Event organiser Manjula Jayaweera said it was a way to catch up with those that have moved away to the cities.“They used to live here before and have decided to come back for new year’s,” he said.
Mr Jayaweera and his family have lived in Swan Hill since 2009 and held Sri Lankan new year celebrations in the community since 2011.
He said attendance improved this year with help from organising committee member Charika Sirisena.
“There were around 85 people this year, which was great compared to the smaller event that we had last year,” Mr Jayaweera said.
He said continuing new year celebrations was important for younger generations of Sri Lankans who grew up in Australia.
“They want to know what we did on new year’s back at home and why we celebrate it on April 14, and it’s important that they have an idea of what happens in their culture,” he said.
There were traditional music, games and food throughout the day for families to enjoy.
Sri Lankan oil cakes, also known as konda kavum, were served as per tradition, and there were games for young and old.
“This event has always been for all Sri Lankans regardless of their ethnicity as Tamil or Singhalese, or whatever religion they practice,” Mr Jayaweera said.
“Hindus, Buddhists, Christians can all participate in new year’s as Sri Lankans.”
