Christmas Carols in Kilinochchi Held

With the intention of promoting religious reconciliation and peace among all ethnic communities during Christmas season, a special Christmas Carols programme was organized by the 57 Division under the Security Force Headquarters – Kilinochchi (SFHQ – KLN) on Wednesday (20) at the ‘Nelum Piyasa’ auditorium, Kilinochchi.

The Annual Christmas Carol evening was organized by troops serving the 571 Brigade of the 57 Division under the supervision of Colonel Ajith Kolambathantri, Brigade Commander, 571 Brigade with the guidance of Major General Jagath Gunawardhana, General Officer Commanding, 57 Division.

Rev Fr P.J. Jebarathnam, Vicar General of the Jaffna Diocese and Rev Fr Victor Sosai, Vicar General of Mannar Diocese graced the event as the Chief Guests accompanied by Major General Ajith Kariyakarawana, Commander, SF – KLN.

Commencing the Christmas Carol evening, team of the Baptise Church at Barathipuram presented a welcome dance and following the event Rev Fr Vigneshwaran read the Gospel in tri languages. Rev Fr P.J Jebarthanam the Vicar General of the Jaffna Diocese read out the Christmas message.

Adding festive atmosphere to the occasion, the Christmas Carols sang in Sinhala, Tamil and English languages as a symbol of peace and harmony. Together with several choirs including the SFHQ-KLN, most celebrated melodies sang as praise and appreciation of the Lord Jesus Christ. The Baptist Church – Barathipuram, CSI at St Pauls Church – Murukkandi, Gospel Kingdom Ministry of Selvanagar, St Anthony’s Church –Valaipadu, Anglican Church Kilinochchi, St Theresa Church Kilinochchi and St Anthoney’s Church Pallikuda, contributed their voice to add melody and rhythmic variation to the occasion.

Finally, symbolizing peaceful Christmas carols evening in the Security Force Headquarters - Kilinochchi area, all the choirs gathered as a one team named ‘Harmony’ combined choir presented the ‘Feliz Navidad’ and ‘Harmony Christmas Song’.

Towards the end of the Christmas Carols evening, Negombo Rotary Club donated 150 school bags among kids. The choirs of Christmas Carols enjoyed dinner and event was followed with a speech of Mr. A Nadaraja, Consulor General of Indian High Commission in Jaffna.

Mr. A Nadaraja, Consulor General of Indian High Commission in Jaffna, General Officer Commanding, 65 Division, Major General Sarath Weerawardhana, General Officer Commanding, 66 Division, Major General Duminda Keppetiwalana, Senior Army Officers, Officers and Other Ranks with large crowed of civilians witnessed the Christmas Carols - 2017 in Security Forces - Kilinochchi.