What happens when tradition, laughter, music, and unity all come together in one place? You get Project Sooryabhisheka’26 the vibrant Avurudu celebration organized by the Rotaract Club of SLIIT under its signature initiative, Project එකம ுதுkama.

Held at the ASP Liyanage Ground, Kaduwela, the event became a beautiful celebration of culture, friendship, and inclusivity, bringing together Rotaractors, students, and community members from diverse backgrounds to celebrate the Sinhala and Tamil New Year as one
family.

Leading this incredible initiative were the Project Chairs, Rtr. Vinuki Ranaweera and Rtr. Chamika Perera, whose dedication and teamwork helped turn the event into a memorable cultural experience.

In the weeks leading up to the event, the Organizing Committee worked together to plan the celebration, coordinate volunteers, organize games and decorations, and promote the event through creative social media campaigns. With everyone contributing enthusiastically behind the scenes, excitement for Sooryabhisheka’26 continued to grow day by day.

And then came the big day!

On the morning of the 25th of April 2026, the venue came alive with colourful traditional outfits, cheerful smiles, and the sounds of festive Avurudu music filling the atmosphere. Organizing Committee members and volunteers arrived early to decorate the venue, prepare the game areas, arrange the kavili table, and ensure everything was ready before
participants arrived.

The celebrations officially began with the traditional Kiri Ithireema ceremony and the lighting of oil lamps, symbolizing prosperity, blessings, and new beginnings. The beautifully decorated kavili table, filled with traditional treats such as kiribath, kokis, kevum, laddu, asmi, pani walalu, and kesari, quickly became one of the highlights of the event.

As the day went on, the grounds were filled with excitement as participants enthusiastically joined traditional Avurudu games like Aliyata Aha Thabeema, Pani Babare, and Andayata Kiri Kaweema. Laughter echoed across the venue as friends cheered each other on, competed playfully, and created unforgettable memories together.

The celebration became even more meaningful with the active participation of people from Sinhala, Tamil, Muslim, and diverse cultural backgrounds. Hosted bilingually in Sinhala and Tamil, the event created a welcoming environment where everyone could feel included and connected.

Beyond the games and festivities, Project Sooryabhisheka’26 truly reflected the spirit of unity and togetherness. It was a reminder that cultural celebrations have the power to bring people closer, strengthen friendships, and create harmony within communities.

As the event came to an end, the smiles, memories, and friendships created throughout the day remained as a lasting reflection of the success of Sooryabhisheka’26 a celebration that brought culture and community together in the most heartwarming way possible.

Penned By:

Rtr. Chanithi Korala

Editorial Committee Member 25.26