Sri Lankan celebration brings colour to campus

The Sinhala and Tamil New Year, known as Aluth Avurudu, was celebrated on campus today with a vibrant lunchtime event.

The celebration brought together the campus’s large Sri Lankan community, along with staff and students from across the world. The event was organised by the Sri Lankan Student Committee.

Staff were formally welcomed into the celebration carrying traditional foods, including bananas, which are commonly served during Avurudu alongside a variety of festive sweets. This symbolised Nagam Yama, the tradition of visiting relatives and exchanging food during the New Year, and they were warmly received with bulath (betel leaves) as part of the traditional welcome.

Students also enacted the sharing of a meal together as one family and performed Ganu Denu, reflecting the tradition of beginning the year in unity, harmony, and with the exchange of good wishes.

The event began with a traditional dance performance, followed by the lighting of the oil lamp, a symbolic ritual representing hope, prosperity, and new beginnings.

The event featured song and dance performances, traditional games, and opportunities for attendees to learn about the cultural significance of Avurudu. Many participants dressed in traditional attire.

The celebration concluded with the sharing of delicious Sri Lankan food, bringing the community together in the true spirit of the New Year.