Christmas carols in Jaffna after nearly 30 years

Jaffna Bishop thanks Security Forces:

Sandasen MARASINGHE

The Jaffna Security Forces Headquarters organized Christmas Carols in Jaffna for the first time in nearly three decades.

The Christmas Carols which were organized and held at Our Lady of Refuge Church entertained the multi-ethnic and multi-religious audience for three hours.

At the inauguration of the Civil Military Coordination (CIMIC) Christmas Carols 2010, Jaffna Bishop Most Rev Dr Thomas Saundranayagam delivering his Christmas Message said that Christmas is a time to rejoice and generates happiness doing away with differences while promoting peace and harmony.

Observing that the country which fought a difficult war which resulted in destruction and loss of lives Rev Thomas Saundranayagam stated that thanks to the Security Forces, the country has now returned to peace.

Popular artistes from the South and Jaffna, Jaffna church choirs and schools sang about 40 Sinhala, Tamil and English Christmas carols accompanied by the Sri Lanka Army band. The event commenced with prayers led by Rev Dr Michael Saundranayagam and the choir of St. Francis Xavier's Seminary Jaffna. Carols were sung in the presence of Jaffna Bishop Rev Dr Thomas Saundranayagam, Buddhist, Hindu and Islamic clergy, Jaffna Vicar General Very Rev Dr Justin B Gnanaprakasam, Security Forces Jaffna Commander Maj Gen Mahinda Hathurusinghe, Jaffna Mayoress Yogeswari Pathgunarasa, Brigadier General Staff SF-J Brig, B C J A F Rodrigo and other invitees.

The highlight was the dancing Santas who distributed gifts to all the children which was followed by a magnificent fireworks display.

The choirs of St. Theresa's Convent of Atchuveli, Roman Catholic School of Navanthurai, Vembady Girls' High School of Jaffna, St. Henry's College, Jaffna, St. John's and Chundikkuly Girls' College, Jaffna also contributed in singing songs of peace.