On the occasion of celebrating the birth of the Jesus Christ, the Embassy staff together with their families and friends celebrated Christmas at the chancery premises in Washington DC on 22 December 2019, in a spirit of unity and harmony.
The event, which was organized in recognition and appreciation of Sri Lanka’s multi -religious, multi -cultural and multi - ethnic diversity, brought together members of all faiths, in a truly Christmas festive setting, amidst the sounds of Christmas Bells, Christmas Choir, Traditional Christmas Tree, Santa Claus, Christmas Gifts, among other attractions.
The evening of festivities began with the lighting of the Christmas Tree followed by the observance of two-minute silence in honor and remembrance of victims of the Easter Sunday bomb attacks and those who died in the Boxing Day Tsunami. Delivering special remarks, Ambassador Rodney Perera welcomed the guests and appreciated their commitment and support in putting together an evening of activities to mark Christmas. While noting that the essence of Christmas is the expression of loving kindness and compassion with families and friends, Ambassador Perera laid emphasis on the importance of the art of giving, sharing as well forgiving, with one another in a sense of tolerance and generosity. He conveyed his best wishes for a joyful Christmas and New Year filled with peace, happiness and prosperity to all and expressed hope that the celebration of Sri Lanka’s traditions and annual festivities will go a long way in further strengthening friendship and relations with members of the Sri Lankan community in the US.
The members of the Embassy Choir, elegantly dressed in typical Christmas attire, presented Christmas Carols which included recitals of both Sri Lankan and international Christmas songswhich were well received by the audience of guests and well wishers. A special feature of the occasion was the participation of very young children in the choir. The devotional Christmas songs presented in a festive mood rekindled Christmas spirits and bestowed blessings on all.
Towards the end of the evening, Santa Clause emerged and presented chocolates and gifts to all. The evening concluded with a Sri Lankan buffet dinner hosted by the Embassy.
