Consul General in Frankfurt :
President brought light of peace to country
The Consulate General of Sri Lanka celebrated the beginning of the
Christmas Season on December 5 at the Consulate General premises. The
annual Christmas Celebration is an initiative of the Consul General,
Buddhi Athauda, whose aim is to bring together people of all religious
faiths among the Sri Lankan Expatriate Community living in Germany, the
Consular Corps and friends of Sri Lanka to one place to enjoy the spirit
of Christmas.
Celebrations in Frankfurt |
The Celebrations began with a brief service conducted by Rev Fr.Mario
Dias of the Capuchin Franciscans, a member of the religious order of the
Roman Catholic Church. Gospel aficionados in Frankfurt am Main viz. the
St Leonhard’s International Parish Choir in Frankfurt performed
multilingual Christmas Carols and secular songs which added a unique Sri
Lankan experience to the Christmas Celebrations where the audience
participated with enthusiasm and vigour.
Guest of Honour, the Consul General of Japan Toyoes Shigeeda
delivered the keynote speech and mentioned the long standing ties
between Japan and Sri Lanka continue to improve through sharing of not
only tradition but also religion and friendship.
The Consul General spoke of Sri Lanka’s renewed life and light,
symbolizing the dawn of a new era and a star as when the day Jesus
Christ was born.
He mentioned that President Mahinda Rajapaksa has brought the light
of peace and freedom to the country by liberating the civilians from
darkness of terror in the past.
Children participating in the event were treated by Santa Claus to
their favourite candies in gift bags.
The winners of the Christmas Costume Competition were awarded
certificates and generous prizes wrapped in colourful papers.
The event was patronized by a large gathering of Sri Lankan
expatriate community, Consular Corps and friends from other nations.
Renowned Sri Lankan musician and singer in Germany, Sanjaya
Senarathna provided festive music during the event.
|