Spirit of Christmas celebrated under theme of reconciliation in Paris

Christmas celebrations were held in the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Paris on 21 December with clergy of the four main religions present along with community representatives and Embassy staff.  

A short sermon delivered by Rev. Fr. Nimantha Peiris was followed by the messages of the other religions echoing his thoughts the importance of unity in the country while celebrating diversity as strength.  Ambassador Tilak Ranaviraja, in his address, spoke of the need to cultivate faith as a means of ushering in peace, and requested the diaspora to reach out to the Government and engage in a meaningful manner in contributing to the prosperity of the country.  

Thereafter, in keeping with the traditional Christmas cheers, the gathering joined in singing Christmas carols and sharing a feast of Sri Lankan food which also depicted the diversity of the country which added a distinct flavour to the celebrations.  

Apart from the celebrations at the Embassy, the Ambassador and staff attended many events organised by the community in relaying the message of communal harmony to forge ahead as a reconciled nation in the coming year.