[2011-12-29
13:23:19]
 Value
of PEACE, LOVE and UNITY was restated on Wednesday (28) evening
when Security Forces Headquarters - Jaffna organized “Christmas
Carols 2011”, the most spectacular show in Jaffna in chill December
celebrating the Birth of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace.
A
large crowd of Catholics and people of other religious faiths gathered
to the OLR (Our Lady of Refuge) Church on the Hospital Road, attractively
decorated and abundantly illuminated, to listen to devotional songs
for more than two hours.
Prior
to the commencement of Christmas Carols, at invitation of Commander
Security Forces - Jaffna Major General Mahinda Hathurusinghe, the
Bishop Jaffna Most Rev. Fr. Dr. Thomas Saundranayagam unveiled the
model of cattle-shed created by the soldiers opposite the OLR Church.
After
lighting the traditional coconut oil lamp by distinguished guests,
Sri Lanka Army Band together with school and church choirs sang
a number of Tamil, Sinhala and English Christmas songs while many
a Santa Claus walked about distributing Christmas gifts to all children
present.
St
Mary’s College of Jaffna, Roman Catholic School of Navanthurai,
St. Roche’s Roman Catholic Vidyalaya of Jaffna, St. Theresa Convent
of Atchuvely, Kannan Cathedral of Iruppalai, “Friends” Coir of Gurunagar,
Church of American Ceylon Mission of Alaveddy, Church of South India
of Chankanai and Maryville Girls’ Home of Atchuvely sang devotional
songs with the Sri Lanka Army band.
In
appreciation of their contribution in singing Christmas songs, Certificates
were given to all participants by the Chief Guest Major General
Mahinda Hathurusinghe and the Bishop Jaffna who praised Security
Forces for all community welfare work they do for the people of
Jaffna.
Firework
display that followed the main event fascinated everyone, especially
children.
Ven.
Meegahajandure Sirivimala thero of Sri Naga Vihara, Jaffna Adeenan
Srilasri Somsuntharadesika Paramacharya Swamigal, Jaffna Maulavi
Rev. M.I.Mohammad, a large number of Catholic priests, Government
Agent Jaffna Mrs. Emelda Sukumar, District Court Judge Mr. A Premasankar,
senior military and Police officers and civilians from various areas
in Jaffna witnessed the event.
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