The Serendib Adhi Shakthi Kolam competition, a showcase of artistic flair held during the Pongal celebrations was hosted by Serendib Flour Mills to illuminate the harvest festival, specifically across plantation communities.
The event, a collaboration between Serendib Flour Mills and the Plantation Human Development Trust (PHDT) was themed ‘Celebrating Thai Pongal in the Plantation Sector’ and aimed to highlight the estate culture around the Tamil harvest celebration marked by family, food and festivities.
The event took place at the Radella Cricket Club in Nuwara Eliya and the PHDT Training Centre in Hatton. Over 200 women from estate-based organisations showcased their artistic talents by designing beautiful and colourful ‘Kolam’ floor art.
Participants won cash prizes along with certificates for the top three Kolams as judged by a panel comprising corporate and community figures. In the Nuwara Eliya competition, 1st place was awarded to Thalawakele Tea Estate PLC, 2nd Hatton Plantation PLC and 3rd Agarapathana Plantation PLC.
In the Hatton competition, Kotagala Plantation PLC was placed first, 2nd Hatton Plantation PLC and 3rd Bogawanthalawa Tea Estate PLC.
The competition concluded with a community lunch bringing together participants, officials and special guests in the true spirit of the Thai Pongal harvest festival.
