27th December 2023 20:26:45 Hours
Coincident with the dawn of Christmas, 51 Infantry Division troops organized a Christmas Carols spectacle at St. Mary’s Cathedral at Jaffna Bishop's House compound with the intention of further promoting spirits of reconciliation, goodwill and understanding between the Security Forces and the civil community on 24 December 2023.
The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 51 Infantry Division, Major General S.W.B Welagedara RSP VSV USP ndc initiated the project.
During the event, gifts and sweets were distributed among more than 1000 children with contributions made by troops serving all under-command Brigades and Battalions of the 51 Infantry Division and donors. Rt Rev. Dr Justin Bernad Gnanapragasam, Bishop of Jaffna diocese joined as the Chief Guest at the invitation of the GOC.
Christmas Carols was composed of a combination of all cultural identities denoting the ethnic and religious harmony in the area. The Carol songs were sung by school Carol teams with the music provided by the Army band. Christian devotees greatly appreciated and commended the efforts of the Sri Lanka Army and more than two thousand people gathered to enjoy the event.
