The festive yuletide spirit engulfed the officers and other ranks of the Army as they held their annual Army Christmas Carols jointly organized by the Army Christian Fellowship and the Adjutant General’s Branch of the Army Headquarters on 14 December evening at the Nelum Pokuna theatre.
His Eminence Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, the Archbishop of Colombo and the Chief Guest, Secretary Defence, Kapila Waidyarathne PC attended the special occasion at the invitation of the Commander of the Army, Lieutenant General Mahesh Senanayake.
Rev. Fr. Prasanna Rohan, Parish Priest, St. Anne’s Church, Miriswatte delivered the introductory speech. Several choirs including the Army choirs displayed their talents of combined harmony.
Rev. Fr. Benedict Joseph, Sri Lanka Army Chaplain offered the opening prayer. His Eminence Cardinal Ranjith, the Archbishop of Colombo read out the Gospel Reading and Christmas message reminding the gathering of the true meaning of Christmas.
The sacred event arranged by Major General Dampath Fernando, Chairman, Army Christian Fellowship, together with Brigadier Manjula Karunarathne, Secretary Army Christian Fellowship and Committee members.
Students of Good Shepherd’s Convent, De Mazenod College,St. Benedict’s College and St. Bridget’s Convent enhanced this celestial evening of yuletide singing.Several popular vocalists, Michelle Christine, Dinesha Chandrasiri, Eshantha De Andrado, Dayan DL Fernando, Corin Almeda, Anil Bharathi, Ronnie Leitch, Mariazella Goonethilake, Rev Fr Prasanna Rohan, Lieutenant Colonel Laxman Fernando, Captain Damien Mc Leod and a few other leading Ranaviru Real Star singers, together with children of Army families also showcased their singing prowess.