Christmas celebrations 2016 – Berlin

Saturday, 24 December 2016 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Embassy of Sri Lanka with the support of the Sri Lanka Association in Berlin celebrated Christmas at a colourful ceremony on Saturday, 17 December at the All Saints Church, Berlin. The event highlighted and symbolised the goodwill and religious harmony among different communities of Sri Lankans living in Germany.

Delivering a speech at the event, Ambassador Karunatilaka Amunugama noted the significance of Christmas and highlighted the importance of holding multi-religious events which symbolises Sri Lanka’s rich diversity.

Deacon, Thomas Markgraffkosch of Herz Jesu church in Berlin delivered a Christmas prayer bestowing blessings upon the participants and all Sri Lankans for a happy and a prosperous year ahead. Nativity plays and Christmas Carols were performed in Sinhala, Tamil, English and German languages by the children of Sri Lankan origin and Christmas ambience was generated, by setting up Christmas decorations at the venue. Gifts were distributed among children who participated at the event for their enthusiastic contribution.

With the true spirit of Christmas and to share the joy and happiness of the season with displaced refugee children at the Zehlendorf refugee centre, the Embassy took the initiative in donating Christmas gifts to a group of 37 refugee children together with the well-wishers of the Sri Lanka Association.

The event brought together around 150 guests and they were entertained with a sumptuous Sri Lankan dinner arranged by the Embassy and the Sri Lankan community in Berlin.

The event concluded on the note of happiness, unity among all Sri Lankans living in Germany looking forward for a Christmas and a New Year full of peace and happiness.