18th December 2024 14:53:40 Hours
The Sri Lanka Army added its annual contribution to the festive season of sharing and caring with compliments, heralding the forthcoming Christmas and the dawn of New Year. Marking the holy phenomenon, the Army held its annual Christmas Carols Service at St. Lucia's Cathedral, Kotahena, on 17 December 2024.
Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) WWV, RWP and two Bars, RSP and Bar, USP, MMSc (Strat Stu - China), MSc (Def Stu) in Mgt, MSc (Def & Strat Stu), fndu (China), psc, Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, graced the spectacle as the Chief Guest at the invitation of Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage RWP RSP ndu, Commander of the Army together with the Army Christian Fellowship. His Eminence Rt. Rev. Dr. Malcom Cardinal Ranjith, Archbishop of Colombo also dignified the event with his honourable presence.
Mrs. Janaki Liyanage, the President of Army Seva Vanitha Unit, and spouses of Senior Officers were among other invitees to the occasion.
The event, conducted in all three major languages - Sinhala, Tamil and English, was alight with jointly sang odes to the Prince of the Peace, Jesus Christ and heralded his birth while praying for world peace and prosperity.
The day’s customary proceedings of the annual congregation began with the Opening Prayer by Major General B.K.G.M.L Rodrigo RSP psc IG, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Army and Secretary of the Army Christian Fellowship. Subsequently, His Eminence the Archbishop of Colombo read the Christmas Message, followed by the Carols that reverberated and adorned the festive atmosphere.
Commander of the Navy, Former Commanders of the Army, Past Chairmen of the Army Christian Fellowship, Principal Staff Officers, Senior Officers, Officers, Retired Officers, War Heroes from Ranaviru Sevana and Abimansala along with their family members participated in the event.
