The Annual Carol Singing and Christmas Oli Vizha 2024 was held on December 19, 2024, at the Kailasapathy Auditorium, University of Jaffna. This much-anticipated event was organized by the Department of Christian Civilization in collaboration with the Good Shepherd Chaplaincy, bringing together students, faculty, and religious leaders in a vibrant celebration of faith, unity, and the spirit of Christmas. The programme commenced at 10:30 AM, filling the hall with joyful music, cultural performances, and spiritual reflections.
The event was graced by several distinguished guests, with Very Rev. Fr. P.J. Jebaratnam, Vicar General of the Diocese of Jaffna, attending as the Chief Guest. Prof. S. Srisatkunarajah, Vice Chancellor of the University of Jaffna, and Prof. P. Balasundarampillai, former Vice Chancellor of the University of Jaffna, served as the Guests of Honour, while Prof. G. Sashikesh, Director of the Welfare Center, attended as the Special Guest. Other prominent attendees included Rev. Fr. Jero Selvanayagam (Dean, Jaffna Deanery), Prof. S. Raguram (Dean, Faculty of Arts), Mr. Sarveswara Iyer Padmanaban (Dean, Faculty of Hindu Studies), and Prof. Prince Jeyadevan, along with numerous professors, heads of department and lecturers, whose presence enriched the occasion.
The ceremony began with the lighting of the Advent Lamp, a symbolic act representing hope, peace, joy, and love, followed by a Christmas prayer service. Rev. Prof. J.C. Paul Rohan, Head of the Department of Christian Civilization, warmly welcomed the esteemed guests, emphasizing the importance of Christmas as a time of reflection, gratitude, and togetherness. The atmosphere was further elevated by soulful carol singing performed by both Sinhala and Tamil students, fostering a spirit of inclusivity and cultural harmony.
In his Christmas message, Very Rev. Fr. P.J. Jebaratnam spoke about Christmas as a celebration of joy, love, and sharing, urging everyone to practice these virtues selflessly in their daily lives. Prof. S. Srisatkunarajah, the Guest of Honour, in his address, highlighted the importance of charity and sacrifice, emphasizing that these values are central to the teachings of Jesus Christ.
A major highlight of the event was a Bharatanatyam performance by the Centre for Performing Arts, Jaffna, which artistically depicted the birth of Jesus Christ. This classical Tamil dance performance added a cultural and artistic dimension to the celebration, beautifully illustrating the universality of the Christmas message.
The event concluded around 12:30 PM with a lively performance by Santa Claus, delighting the audience as he distributed gifts and sweets to guests and students. The celebration not only brought joy and festivity but also reinforced the message of unity, love, and giving, reminding everyone of the deeper significance of Christmas.
The Department of Christian Civilization takes great pride in organizing this meaningful and memorable event, reaffirming its commitment to fostering interfaith harmony, cultural appreciation, and spiritual enrichment within the university community.
