Sinhala Tamil New Year Celebration This event was held on 22.04.2013, with the participation of all staff members, including the members of the Commission, during which various customs and their values were discussed. The event included several special items including, the lighting of fire at the auspicious time, traditional games, partaking of traditional food, including sweetmeat and paying homage to the elders. Vesak Celebration Vesak, which is an important Buddhist religious event, was celebrated on 29.05.2013 by inviting a member of the Maha Sanga and by bringing the sacred relics to the premises of the Commission in accordance with the traditional custom. At the conclusion of the sermon an alms giving was held. Employees   belonging   to   all   religions   attended   the   ‘bana   preaching’.   The   staff   enjoyed   the   lunch   provided by the members of the staff itself. In addition, Vesak lanterns were prepared by the staff, in groups, which was later converted to a competition and the best ones were awarded prizes. Hindu Religious Celebration A pooja to mark the Navarathri, which is considered a special Hindu religious ceremony, was held in the Commission premises in the celebration of the event. Coconut, paddy, mango leaves and banana leaves were used for decorations. Application of   ‘kunkuma’   as   a   welcome   tradition   and   several other items reflecting the Hindu culture were included on the occasion.. A legal expert delivered a special lecture on Hindu religion, peace and human rights and a Hindu priest delivered an introduction to the Navarathri festival. A cello performance by the students of Hindu College, musical recital by students of the Hindu Ladies College and a yoga programme were other items.in the celebration of this religious event. At the conclusion of the programme a reception was held a cuisine of Hindus and the Tamils were served. Islamic Religious Celebration Leaders of various religions were invited to grace the event and each of them delivered an introduction as to how they see Islam. Religious leaders of Buddhist, Hindu and Catholic beliefs were invited for this. A mullah explained the fundamentals of Islam. It was observed that sweets (sukiri) was served and rose water was applied to symbolizing welcome customs of the Muslim Community. During the cultural event a token ceremony to reflect a Muslim wedding was held and background music was played to match the item. A special drum beating item was performed to symbolize the wakeup call during the fasting period. 97