‘Apitath Awurudu’ is a New Year festival organized for differently abled children and elders, by the Rotaract Club of University of Kelaniya in collaboration with the ‘Services for Empowerment and Rehabilitation of Disabled children and families (SERD)’ in Kelaniya, which was held on the 8th of April 2017 at the Waragoda public ground. The main objective of the program was to bring the spirit of Awurudu into their lives and to make this New Year an unforgettable one for them.

The function began with the arrival of the Chief Guest who was accompanied by the ‘SERD’ eastern band, which was proudly launched on the same day. After religious observations some of the New Year traditions took place, and afterwards everybody was presented with the opportunity to have sweets made for the New Year.

The New Year games in the event were organized in a manner which will accommodate the differently abled children and elders. All of them, as well as us, enjoyed the event throughout the day. Their parents were also happy to see their children engaging in games and activities such as singing and dancing.

The helping hand, the officials at SERD provided us with during the program, aided in making the event a success. The program concluded with the distribution of gifts to every child and adult under the care of SERD.

Written by : Rtr. Hasanthi Premathilaka