The Annual Carol Singing and Christmas Oli Vizha for the year 2023 was held on the 20th of December at Kailasapati Auditorium. It was organized by the Department of Christian Civilization of the University of Jaffna in collaboration with the Good Shepherd Chaplaincy of the University of Jaffna. The programme commenced at 10:00 AM.
Rt. Rev. Dr. Justin B. Gnanaprgasam, the Bishop of Jaffna was the Chief Guest. Prof. P. Balasundarampillai, the emeritus professor and the former Vice Chancellor of the University of Jaffna was the Guest of Honour. Prof. S. Raguram, the Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Mr. Sarveswara Iyer Padmanaban, Dean Faculty of Hindu Studies, Prof. S. Noble Surendran and many other Professors, Heads of the Departments and lecturers participated in the event.
The programme started with the lighting of the Advent Lamp which was followed by the Christmas prayer service. The Head of the Department of Christian Civilization Rev. Prof. J. C. Paul Rohan welcomed the guests.
There were several cultural programmes and carol singing performed by both Sinhala and Tamil students.
Rt. Rev. Dr. Justin Bernard Gnanaprgasam, the Chief Guest in his Christmas message said that Christmas is a season of joy, love and sharing and we all are called upon to practice these virtues with altruistic mentality. Prof. P. Balasundarampillai, the Guest of Honour in his address highlighted that the charity and sacrifice are important human qualities that we should learn from Jesus Christ. Prof. S. Noble Surendran, the Special Guest in his address explained the types of people who went to meet the child Jesus soon after his birth and explained the way the Christmas is celebrated by all the people without any difference.
The highlight of the event was the Bharatanatya performance by the Centre for Performing Arts, Jaffna depicting the birth of Jesus Christ.
The event came to an end around 12.30 pm with the performance of Santa Clause who also gave away gifts and sweets to the guests and students.
