Velvettiturai Glitters with Christmas Spirits

Troops of 1 Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment (VIR) under the 52 Division of the Security Force Headquarters - Jaffna (SFHQ-J) adding their share to the spirits of Christmas staged a Christmas Carols at the CSI Church premises in Velvettiturai, Jaffna on Saturday (23) in collaboration with the clergy in the area.

1 VIR choir of the Army and the church choir members in Velvettiturai jointly presented Carols during the occasion after Rev. Father Joy Pradeep Kumar and Rev. Brother Ralch Solomon performed religious observances and highlighted the significance of Christmas.

Army personnel on the instructions of Major General Aruna Wanniarachchi, General Officer Commanding, 52 Division with the blessings of Major General Darshana Hettiarrachchi, Commander, Security Forces - Jaffna finalized arrangements in this regard in close coordination with church authorities. A Christmas message was also read out during the event as a formality.

Towards the end of the programme, Santa Claus distributed gift parcels among 80 little ones present there and members of the church choir. Those gift parcels were provided by VIR Officers and Other Ranks serving the 52 Division as incentives to the children in the area.

Brigade Commander, 521 Brigade, Colonel S.R.K Hettiarachchi, Commanding Officer, 1VIR, Lieutenant Colonel B.D.T.D Jayarathne, Commanding Officer, 22 SLNG, Major H.M.L.B Samarakoon, Civil Affairs Officer, 521 Brigade and the Headquarters Inspector at Velvettiturai Police station were among the participants.