The New Year Trade Fair, organized under the patronage of the President of the Navy Seva Vanitha Unit (NSVU), Mrs. Yamuna Wijegunaratne, was held on a grand note at SLNS Parakrama today (8).
The veteran tele-cinema actor Mr. Sanath Gunathilake attended this year’s New Year Trade Fair as the Chief Guest. The Guest of Honour of the occasion was Mrs. Wasantha Gunawardena, Chairperson of the Seva Vanitha Unit of the Ministry of Defence. President of Seva Vanitha Unit of SLAF Mrs. Priyanwada Gunawardane and Chairperson of the Seva Vanitha Unit of Civil Security Department , Mrs. Lakshmi Pallegama were among the other distinguished invitees who graced this occasion. Moreover, senior members of the NSVU, the President of the Officers’ Children's Club, Sathyajith Wijegunaratne and its members were also present on this occasion.
The proceedings of the fair kicked off after the lighting of the traditional oil lamp by the Chief Guest, Guest of Honour, President of the NSVU, its senior members and senior naval officers.
In addition, a dedicated stall had been allocated for the disabled war heroes making their shopping quite comfortable. Further, arrangements were also made for the Retired Navy Women's Association by allocating a special stall, in order to sell their products in a convenient manner. Besides, a raffle was drawn among participants at the New Year fair.
Consumer commodities of all kinds, which included raw and dry food items, clothes footwear for the festive occasion, vegetables, fruits, flower plants and other utensils were available at concessionary price for the benefit of the naval personnel. As per the directives of the NSVU President the doors were open even for the civil personnel to reserve stalls and trade their commodities. A large number of naval personnel and their family members were seen engaging in festive shopping at the fair.
Adding more colour to the event, the Navy Beat Group entertained the crowd with their melodious singing performances. As per the instruction of the President, arrangements were also in place for talented naval personnel and their family members to exhibit their singing performances in front of cheering crowds.
To coincide with this New Year Trade Fair, the NSVU had also made arrangements to open New Year trade stalls at SLNS Tissa in Trincomalee and SLNS Dakshina in Galle making the festive shopping experience more convenient for the naval personnel in Eastern and Southern Commands.
NSVU New Year Trade Fair at SLNS Parakrama
NSVU New Year Trade Fair at SLNS Tissa
NSVU New Year Trade Fair at SLNS Dakshina