Christmas dinner to fete staff - Speaker

Mohammed NAALIR

KOTTE: A Christmas dinner will be held tomorrow at the official residence of the Speaker as a token of appreciation for the tireless service rendered by the Parliamentary staff during the budget debate.

Speaker W.J.M. Lokubandara addressing the media at the Parliament Complex yesterday said the employees have performed their tasks amidst various difficulties and inconveniences.

There are nearly 800 employees attached to the Parliament. The Speaker said the Media Ministry would sponsor the event.

A Christmas recital has also been organised with Latha Walpola, Edward Jayakody and Ivor Denis in attendance. The stage will be erected by the SLBC. The Parliament employees would be provided with transport facilities, he said.

Secretary General of Parliament Priyani Wijesekara was also present. Meanwhile, Media Minister Anura Priyadharshana Yapa commenting on this year Christmas programme said religious harmony is a must at a time like this.

The Media Ministry will organise the Diyawanna Gee Mihira strengthening and manifesting the existing bond among the different communities, religious groups, he said.

The organisers of the Christmas event should be congratulated for their initiative, the Minister said.

Earlier the plan was to have the event at the Berewewa. But Speaker W.J.M. Lokubandara, wanted the event to be held at his official residence.

With that invitation and the support of the Parliamentary staff, we have decided to have the event in a very grand scale at the Speaker residence tomorrow at 6.30 p.m.

Colombo Archbishop Rt. Rev. Oswald Gomis, First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa, religious leaders, Ministers and State officials will be present at this event, he said.

Students of St. Bridget's Convent, St. Peter's and institutions coming under the Ministry will sing carols at the Diyawanna Mihira, he said.

Mass Media and Information Ministry Secretary W.D. Ganegala said the event was jointly organised by the Parliament and the Religious Affairs Ministry.