Peace Ambassador Leadership Programme

IYAP’S Peace Ambassador Leadership Programme (PALP), supported by the Active citizen, British Council Sri Lanka, conducted a special Pongal programme for the participants of the PALP programme as part of understanding the intercultural indifferences between ethnic communities.

Pongal, the harvest festival celebrated to show gratitude to the sun god. Extensively celebrated between the 14-17th of January every year to show gratitude to the Sun God and Lord Indra for helping the farmers in better yielding crops. Often adorned with delicacies like Pongal, Sakkara Pongal and Sugarcane, the festival revolved around performing special pujas to thank the Sun God. The event was conducted at the 229 year old ‘Naatukottai Nagaratthaar Shri Kathirvelaayutha Swami Kovil – Galle’ amongst 50+ participants including its volunteers, religious scholars and government dignitaries.

The event was graced by his honourable Visuddhi Thero, along with Farhan Moulavi, Southern Province Cultural Secretary Mr. Vernard Perera, Galle District ASP Mr. Ajith Kumar, and Member of Colombo Municipal Council Mr. Charitha Gunarathne along with the resident Kurukkals making it a truly multi-ethnic celebration.

The special event commenced at 8:30 a.m. with the preparation of the delicacy of the day; The Pongal, amongst participants, volunteers, friends and family along with the invited dignitaries. A special puja was then conducted by the resident Kurukkal in the presence of the respected religious scholars and government delegates.

A sight to behold was when the local Buddhist monk was seen sharing fruits with all his Hindu and Muslim scholar friends and sharing a light hearted moment.