Batticaloa Bishop Rt Rev. Dr Joseph Ponniah graced the Christmas festival held under the patronage of the Security Force Headquarters - East (SFHQ-E) in Batticaloa town on Wednesday Decemeber, 19.
The welcome dance stole the hearts of the gathering, followed by the welcome note read out by Rev. Fr. Rohan. The event was made more solemn with lighting of the oil lamp and the message of Christmas delivered by His Lordship Bishop of Batticaloa, Rt Rev. Dr Joseph Ponniah.
The Choirs of Ampara Church, Navatkudah Church, Soori Kalmunai Church, St. Cecilia College along with the Army Choir sang odes and hymns jointly to the Prince of the Peace, Jesus Christ. A few cultural features added colour to the spectacle.
District Secretary for Batticaloa, M. Uthayakumar, Mayor of Batticaloa T. Sarvanapavan, DIG Batticaloa, Nuwan Wedasinghe, Municipal Commissioner for Batticaloa Sithiraval, Commander FMA (East) Major General Manoj Mudannayake, General Officer Commanding 24 Division Major General Mahinda Mudalige, Commandant Infantry Training Centre Minneriya Major General Suraj Bangsajayah, Commandant Army Training School Maduruoya, Major General Jayantha Senevirathne, General Officer Commanding 23 Division Brigadier Kapila Udalupola and 231 Brigade Commander were among the distinguished gathering.
