To mark the occasion of the dawn of Sinhala & Tamil New Year, the Sri Lanka Cultural Association together with the Sri Lankan Embassy in Kuwait organized the "Bakmaha Ullela" at the Qadsia Grounds on 01st May 2009.  There were large crowds estimated to be well over 8000 belonging to all communities attended the celebrations.  Moreover,  number of well known celebrities including  tele-drama actors, presenters, artists, and TV personalities together a with delegation of bankers participated in the bakmaha ullela programme. The celebrations began with the hoisting of National flags of Sri Lanka and Kuwait and the flag of the Sri Lanka Cultural Association, followed by the singing of the two national anthems. Then there was two minutes' silence observed as a mark of respect for the fallen heroes who sacrificed their lives for the motherland.

Mr. Gamini Wijerathne, President of the Sri Lanka Cultural Association welcomed the guests and distinguished invitees.  He elaborated on the significance of the "Bakmaha Ullela" as a national festival through which peoples of different ethnic, religious and social backgrounds come together as one family to celebrate this annual event throughout the country as well as outside Sri Lanka.  While appreciating the support and co-operation extended by the Sri Lankan community and well- wishers toward the activities of the association, Mr. Wijerathne appealed to all Sri Lankans to strengthen his hands to continue the association's good work in future. Ambassador Sarath Dissanayake in his speech outlined the recent victories achieved by the military against LTTE culminating in the dawn of peace and harmony in the country.  He also stressed the importance of supporting Government's efforts to help the Ranaviru families and the large number of IDPs displaced in the recent humanitarian operation.  While appreciating the goodwill and generosity of the government and people of Kuwait towards this endeavor, he requested the Sri Lankan community in Kuwait to extend their goodwill and donations for this worthy cause. Speaking further Ambassador Dissanayake commended the efforts of the Sri Lanka Cultural Association in promoting Sri Lanka's rich heritage, culture and values among the Sri Lankan community in Kuwait that help preserve and continue this traditions from generation to generation even among the communities outside Sri Lanka.  He also assured that the Embassy, as always, is ready to assist and support the Sri Lankan community with their needs and aspirations.  

After the official ceremony, the invitees and the guests were served with traditional New Year meals and snacks.  The traditional games including dress parade, bun eating, kottapora, raban, and many more items were held with the participation of large crowds.  The artists specially flown in from Sri Lanka for the festival performed musical items much to the delight of all.  The bankers delegation made use of this opportunity to introduce the new banking products among the Sri Lankans present. The atmosphere was reminiscent to a traditional New Year bakmaha festival celebrated in Sri Lanka in a spirit of national harmony and unity.  

The vote of thanks was proposed by Association Secretary, Mr. Iqbal.  Valuable gifts were awarded to all winners of the competitions.

The proceeds of the “Bak Maha Ulela” and the raffle tickets sales will be donated for the benefit of “Ranaviru” families and other charitable causes.