H.E Daya Pelpola lights the traditional oil lamp at the opening of the event together withÂÂÂ Venerable Shakya Nanda Thero, Chief Priest of Dharmashoka Viharaya Temple in Nomentana.
H.E Daya Pelpola, Ambassador together with the staff of the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Rome co-sponsored a special Christmas celebration held in Parrocchia San Vincenzo Pallotti, in Rome on 11th December. The event was organized by the Sri Lankan community of the Basilica XII Apostoli together with the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Rome. Many religious representatives took part in the celebration, among them Venerable Shakya Nanda Thero, Chief Priest of Dharmashoka Viharaya Temple in Nomentana Rome attended the event.
Monsignor Neville Joe Perera, National Coordinator CEI, Apostolate to Sri Lankan Migrants and Father Araliya Jaysundera of the Basilica XII Apostoli in Rome held a special service prior to the event with the participation of the Sri Lankan community in Rome.
Whilst the staff of the Embassy performed Christmas carols at the event, the celebration represented a pleasant moment for the Sri Lankan community to enjoy the Christmas atmosphere. It also provided the opportunity to bring together the different Sri Lankan religious communities in Rome whilst building stronger ties within the community.
The staff of the Embassy perform Christmas carols at the event
H.E. the Ambassador, in addressing the gathering highlighted that all members of the community should stay united and participate in the various religious events despite their different faiths; this will ensure stronger links among the Sri Lankan expatriates. He stressed the fact that all Sri Lankans in Italy must unite and strengthen the bonds of the community and resolve their differences.
Embassy of Sri Lanka
Rome
12th December 2016
