Elle Tournament in Jaffna this weekend to foster unity and reconciliation
Saturday, 5 July 2014 00:00
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With a view of promoting reconciliation and harmony among the people through sports, Security Forces in Jaffna is organizing an Elle Carnival. The grand sports fiesta will be held on 5th and 6th July in Jaffna, revealed Security Forces Commander -Jaffna, Major General Udaya Perera said.
Held under the theme ‘Reconciliation through Sports’ the tournament will see 31 teams in action for the first time in recent history of the peninsula. Male and female teams from different parts of the country will play in 29 matches at 4 venues around the northern city.
The Sri Lanka Army has initiated a number of peace oriented community welfare programs in line with the national reconciliation effort. In order to build better understanding between the people security forces regularly conduct educational, sports, religious and other community oriented programs.
The Elle tournament is expected to draw a large public participation with families of out station players also attending to witness the games. This convergence of people of diverse background in Jaffna will form a perfect setting for revival of friendship, cooperation and unity among the people of the nation. It will also help to promote the national sport in the north as well.
Many corporate sponsors have pledged their support for this groundbreaking tournament with Cargills, David Peiris, CEAT, and BB-Tec presenting financial contributions and trophies. E-TEL has donated mobile phones to be distributed among the winners. A large media contingent is also expected to cover this first of its kind event, said the SF-J Commander.
Major General Perera also educated the media personnel on a cricket match scheduled to be played with an Australian team on 04th July. The match will be played between the visitors and the Jaffna Cricket Team. A similar match was played in Kilinochchi last year.
