Soldiers Contribute to Christmas Spirit Joining with School Students in the North

Security Force Headquarters - Jaffna (SFHQ-J) in coordination with the 51 Division organized a Christmas Carol filling the air with Christmas spirits on Monday (19) at St. Mary’s church premises, Jaffna.

Christmas Carols mostly staged by children, together with a representative group of Army soldiers under the auspices of Most Rev. Fr. Dr. Justin Gnanaprakash, Bishop of Jaffna, religious leaders, Major General Mahesh Senanayaka, Commander, Security Forces - Jaffna and distinguished guests drew a large gathering.

Most Rev. Fr. Dr. Justin Gnanaprakash delivered the Christmas message at the occasion.

The entire performance was filling with colour and grace.

Arrangements have also been made for a mobile Christmas carol chariot to visit various towns in the peninsula until 22 December.

This event is annually organized to promote the relationship between military personnel and civilians.

Professional performances of Army soldiers, Jaffna school children and students of De Mazenod College, Kandana, who willingly devoted their free time for this Christmas features were a spectacle.

Meanwhile, 515 Brigade troops of the 51 Division under the Security Force Headquarters - Jaffna (SFHQ-J) organized a Christmas Carol programme in their camp premises at Nallinakkapuram, Keeramalai on Tuesday (20) with the blessings of Major General Mahesh Senanayaka, Commander, Security Forces – Jaffna (SF-J).

Nallinakkapuram is the newly re-settled village under the ‘Reconciliation programme’ in Keeramalai, Jaffna.

The evening coloured with yuletide music, dance and prayer sessions, presented by choirs of Army soldiers. This was an excellent civil-military coordination effort which reflects growing interactive cordial relations and the reconciliation process.

Brigadier Mervyn Perera, General Officer Commanding, 51 Division graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Rev. Fr. Brayan of Manipay St. Antony’s church, religious leaders, Senior Military Officers, Officers, soldiers and civilians attended the event.

In the meantime, troops of the 59 Division under the Security Force Headquarters - Mullaittivu (SFHQ-MLT) organized a Christmas Carol programme in St. Peters’ Church at Mullaittivu on Monday (21).

The programme was launched under instructions of Major General Dampath Fernando, Commander, Security Forces - Mullaittivu and under the guidance of Major General N. D Wanniarachchi, General Officer Commanding, 59 Division.

Choirs of Mallaittivu Maha Vidyalaya and Roman Catholic College, Mullaittivu coloured the Christmas Carol programme.

After the programme, 100 school children received school bags and stationery.

Officers, other ranks and villagers attended the event.

Meanwhile, Security Force Headquarters - Kilinochchi (SFHQ-KLN) together with 57 Division organized a Christmas carol in Nelum Piyasa auditorium, Kilinochchi on Friday (23).

Christmas programme was conducted on directions of Commander, Security Forces - Kilinochchi, Major General Amal Karunasekara.

Most Rev. Fr. Dr. Justin Bernad Gnanaprakash, Bishop of Jaffna graced the the Carols as the Chief Guest conducted in both Tamil and English languages.

A brief service, conduct of Carols and Delivery of Christmas Message added importance to the occasion.

Furthermore, dancing features presented by youngsters attached to the St. Theresa Church, Kilinochchi, Baptish Church, Barathipuram, Methothish Church, Paranthan, St. Paul Church, Karunanilayam coloured the Christmas spirit.

During the event, 100 gift packs were distributed among kids and Christmas carol teams.

General Officers Commanding, 57 and 65 Divisions, Senior Officers of the Army, Air Force and Police, officers, other ranks and large group of civilians attended the event.