Army Celebrates Christmas with a Grand Carol Programme in Point Pedro

On 23rd December 2022, in the Hartley College auditorium in Point Pedro, the 551 Infantry Brigade and the Vadamaradchchi Catholic deanery collaborated on an artistic Christmas Carols programme that upheld the values of civil military relations. Colonel Jude Kariyakarawana Brigade Commander of 551Infantry Brigade oversaw preparations to ensure that the event was open to the local populace at large under the guidance of General Officer Commanding 55 Infantry Division Major General Prasanna Gunaratne. Major General Prasanna Gunaratne had grace the occasion as the chief guest and the guest of honour was the Vicar General of the Jaffna Diocese, Reverend Father PJ Jebaratnam.

The choir attended were as following: Reverend Father Michael and Sisters Manakkadu parish, St Anthonys Church choir, Sakkottai youth choir, St Thomas Girls College dancing group, St Thomas Church choir, Methodist Church Dancing Group, Karaveddy Parish choir, and St Marys Church choir. Major General Prasanna Gunaratne and Reverend Father PJ Jebaratnam had distributed gift boxes containing stationaries to the youngsters, who sang in the choir.

Brigade Commanders of 552 and 553 Infantry Brigades, Staff Officers of the Division, Former Mayor Point Pedro- Mr Josheph Iruthaya Rajah, Chairman Point Pedro Pradeshiya Sabha Mr Charls Ariyaratnam Ariyakumar, Divisional Secretary Point Pedro Mr Alvaipillei Siri, Vadamarachchi Zonal Education Director Mr K Sathyapalan, Assistant Superintendent of Police Point Pedro, Headquarter Inspector of Police Point Pedro, fathers and sisters of the Vadamarchchi area, other religious representative of the area, parents and Christian community in Point Pedro were invited to the occasion as guests.