The Consulate General of Sri Lanka celebrated the beginning of the Christmas Season on the 5th of December, 2010 at the Consulate General premises. The annual Christmas Celebration is an initiative of the Consul General, Mr. Buddhi Athauda, whose aim is to bring together people of all religious faiths among the Sri Lankan Expatriate Community living in Germany, the Consular Corps., and friends of Sri Lanka to one place to enjoy the spirit of Christmas.
The Celebrations began with a brief service conducted by Rev. Fr. Mario Dias of the Capuchin Franciscans, a member of the religious order of the Roman Catholic Church. The renowned gospel aficionados in Frankfurt am Main viz. the St. Leonhard’s International Parish Choir in Frankfurt performed multilingual Christmas Carols and secular songs which did add a unique Sri Lankan experience to the Christmas Celebrations where the audience participated with enthusiasm and vigour.
Guest of Honour, the Consul General of Japan Mr. Toyoes Shigeeda delivered the keynote speech and mentioned the long standing ties between Japan and Sri Lanka continue to improve through sharing of not only tradition but also religion and friendship. The Consul General spoke of Sri Lanka’s renewed life and light, symbolizing the dawn of a new era and a star as when the day Jesus Christ was born. He mentioned that H. E. The President Mahinda Rajapaksa has brought the light of peace and freedom to the country by liberating the civilians from darkness of terror in the past.
Children participating in the event were treated by Santa Claus to their favourite candies in gift bags. The winners of the Christmas Costume Competition were awarded certificates and generous prizes wrapped in colourful papers.
The Consulate was adorned with a colourful Christmas Tree with twinkling lights, luminous candles, wreaths in holly, ivy, and mistletoe symbolizing faith, life and love and bright tinsel Garlands in silver, blue and red to bring the Spirit of Christmas to the guests. The event was patronized by a large gathering of Sri Lankan expatriate community, Consular Corps and friends from other nations.
The Consulate General of Sri Lanka
Frankfurt
12th December 2010
