eLanka

Saturday, 11 Oct 2025
  • Home
  • Read History
  • Articles
    • eLanka Journalists
  • Events
  • Useful links
    • Obituaries
    • Seeking to Contact
    • eLanka Newsletters
    • Weekly Events and Advertisements
    • eLanka Testimonials
    • Sri Lanka Newspapers
    • Sri Lanka TV LIVE
    • Sri Lanka Radio
    • eLanka Recepies
  • Gallery
  • Contact
Newsletter
  • eLanka Weddings
  • Property
  • eLanka Shop
  • Business Directory
eLankaeLanka
Font ResizerAa
Search
  • Home
  • Read History
  • Articles
    • eLanka Journalists
  • Events
  • Useful links
    • Obituaries
    • Seeking to Contact
    • eLanka Newsletters
    • Weekly Events and Advertisements
    • eLanka Testimonials
    • Sri Lanka Newspapers
    • Sri Lanka TV LIVE
    • Sri Lanka Radio
    • eLanka Recepies
  • Gallery
  • Contact
Follow US
© 2005 – 2025 eLanka Pty Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
Home » Blog » Articles » Pahan Tharu Rayak – Christmas Fiesta 2021 – by Clifford Lazarus
Articles

Pahan Tharu Rayak – Christmas Fiesta 2021 – by Clifford Lazarus

eLanka admin
Last updated: January 6, 2022 8:26 am
By
eLanka admin
ByeLanka admin
Follow:
Share
5 Min Read
SHARE

Pahan Tharu Rayak – Christmas Fiesta 2021 – by Clifford Lazarus

Pahan Tharu Rayak - Christmas Fiesta 2021 – by Clifford Lazarus

Pahan Tharu Rayak - Christmas Fiesta 2021 – by Clifford Lazarus

Memories of Oman - Lankans upset fancied team in Gulf Sevens - By Clifford LazarusWhen it comes to Christmas, you know the spirit of the festival is in the air. Truth be told, how could you not?  Sri Lanka’s Friendship Society (SLFS) in Hamilton, New Zealand, successfully hosted Pahan Tharu Rayak – Christmas Fiesta 2021 on December 18th 2021.

At the heart of the Christian celebration are the stories surrounding the birth of Jesus.  Most children are familiar with the elements of this story, like the appearance of angels, the experiences of Jesus’s parents, Mary and Joseph, and the wise men who followed the star to find Jesus on the night he was born.  To exist in a multi-ethnic society, where different religions and ethnic groups inhabit and share their lives, it was heartwarming to witness other cultures and faiths join in celebrating this joyous occasion.

More Read

Global and local lineup of industry visionaries to take the stage at the Sri Lanka Retail Forum 2025-eLanka
Global and local lineup of industry visionaries to take the stage at the Sri Lanka Retail Forum 2025 “Retail Reimagined: Where AI Meets the Human Edge”
Two Scouters shaped the lives of thousands of Scouts at Royal College, Colombo – By Admiral Ravindra C Wijegunaratne
LIVING SPRING BOTTLED WATER PROJECT – BELLWOOD, KANDY, SRI LANKA By -Leelananda Ihalagamage in Melbourne

For the many non-Christian children who attended and participated, they will have learnt about the nativity and the meaning of Christmas and in time to come they will understand what Vesak, Diwali, Eid and  Easter mean – this is just part of learning about other faiths.

Being in the Christmas season, Christmas carols are something very common in this period. “Jesuni Oba Issara Wela” sung by Nadi Dharmasiri, Suranga Peiris, Neranjana Maldeniya, Judy Fernando and Dinali  Ranmadugala opened the programme followed by “Mistletoe and Wine” performed by Portia Fernando and Dinu Perera.  Imali Ilanco co-ordinated the Children’s Carols .

Adults’ carols arranged by Judy Fernando was combined with the Nativity, written and directed by Susith Fernando.  The cast enacted  their own version reminiscing biblical times with the aid of authentic stage decor by Jagath Pillippuhewa and sounds by Ushan Madhuranga. Mary was portrayed by Nadi Dharmasiri while Rohitha Karunaratne performed the role of Joseph.  The three kings, shepherds, and innkeeper performed professionally in traditional costumes showing Jesus incarnate among people, beyond cultural differences.

“The Dancing Christmas Trees” choreographed by Ashika Perera was performed by Hiru Perera, Nulaya Maldeniya, Yahansa Sathsarani, Shanuli Yehansa and Shasha Wakista.

Cellist Nuwan Vithanage gave a virtuoso performance with “Hallelujah” accompanied by pianist Ushan Madhuranga and deservedly received a rousing round of applause.  Singers Udula Bandara and Hashira Cooray regaled the audience with a jazzy Broadway-style rendition of “Let It Snow”, fittingly earning a standing ovation!

“It was a great celebration but what made it special was how all the Sri Lankan community gathered to make the event a great success” was how Chief Guest Fr Darren McFarlane of the Hamilton Diocese summed the evening’s proceedings. Venerable Meththeya, chief monk of Hamilton Buddhist Temple praised the camaraderie of the Sri Lankan community for the evening’s success. 

SLFS Hamilton has been organising the annual Christmas event for well over 20 years. The Christmas programme (Pahan Tharu Rayak) –  Christmas Fiesta 2021 was held to show unity in the birth of Jesus, because living in a multi-ethnic society, in which different religions and ethnic groups live together, the collective effort symbolised Sri Lanka’s unity in diversity, showing the richness of the pearl-shaped island.

“We invited all cultures and religions to rethink and remove the distance between ethnic groups and welcome each other as sisters and brothers because Jesus was born for everyone, not just for Christians. It is about unity, not division” remarked Susith Fernando, chief co-ordinator for the event. Also, he thanked President, Vice-president, and the Secretary of the Sri Lanka Friendship Society: Devinda Mahavithana, Ruwan Fernando and Harindu Lorensu respectively, and all the other committee members who helped to make this event a success.

TAGGED:Dinali RanmadugalaHashira Cooray Shasha WakistaHiru PereraJudy FernandoNadi DharmasiriNeranjana MaldeniyaNulaya MaldeniyaPortia Fernando and Dinu PereraShanuli YehansaSuranga PeirisUDULA BANDARAYahansa Sathsarani
Share This Article
Email Copy Link Print
Previous Article Everard & Felicia met in 1965 while Felicia was still at school. Everard was 21 years old and Felicia was 16years. Felicia was a past pupil of St Benedict's College, Kotehena and I was from St Anthony's Convent, Mutuwal. As Everard's parents were preparing to migrate to Australia in 1969, they got engaged and Felicia followed in 1970 to Sydney. They married on October 17th 1970 at St John's Anglican Church, Cox's Road, North Ryde and then with God's grace were blessed with 2 Daughters and 2 Sons. Three married and they gave us 6 grandchildren. Last year the couple were supposed to celebrate this occasion however, Covid 19 was in the way of their plans. Finally, after several lockdowns, postponements they were able to celebrate on Saturday 20th November 2021 and it was held at the Grand Ballroom, Epping Club Event, Rawson Road, Epping. It was a spectacular night with the Cascades playing and all their guests enjoyed and had a good time. Felicia & Everard La Faber – 50th Wedding Anniversary
Next Article Saman Lenin the ultimate signature in Folk music in contemporary generation - by Sunil Thenabadu Saman Lenin the ultimate signature in Folk music in contemporary generation – by Sunil Thenabadu
FacebookLike
YoutubeSubscribe
LinkedInFollow
Most Read
10 Pictures With Fascinating Stories Behind Them!

“A PICTURE SPEAKS A 1000 WORDS” – By Des Kelly

Look past your thoughts so you may drink the pure nectar of this moment

A Life Hack for when we’re Burnt Out & Broken Down – By Uma Panch

Narration of the History of our Proud Ancestral (Orang Jawa) Heritage. by Noor R. Rahim

eLanka Weddings

eLanka Marriage Proposals

Noel News

Noel News

Noel News

Noel News- By Noel Whittaker

EILEEN MARY SIBELLE DE SILVA (nee DISSANAYAKE) – 29 September 1922 – 6 April 2018 – A Woman of Value an Appreciation written by Mohini Gunasekera

K.K.S. Cement Factory

Dr.Harold Gunatillake’s 90th Birthday party

Sri Lanka's women's cricket squad in Melbourne

Cricket: Sri Lanka’s women’s squad in Melbourne

- Advertisement -
Ad image
Related News
Articles

“Galle Literary Festival: A Proven Catalyst for High-Value Tourism”

Articles

Hameedia re-launches H Sports Pelawatte outlet with Adidas, Nike, and Campus, ushering in a new era of activewear

Sri Lanka aviation training hub, ICAO Sri Lanka collaboration, Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka, CAASL, Janith Ruwan Kodituwakku, Capt. Daminda Rambukwella, ICAO Strategic Action Plan, aviation capacity building, aviation training South Asia, Sri Lanka aviation professionals, ICAO Montreal meeting, Sri Lanka ICAO Council election, aviation infrastructure development, ICAO capacity development, Next Generation Aviation Professionals (NGAP), Sri Lanka air navigation systems, Sri Lanka airport development, aviation education Sri Lanka, aviation sustainability South Asia, ICAO Asia-Pacific cooperation
Articles

Sri Lanka informs ICAO of its plan to become hub in region for training Aviation professionals

thorathuru
Articles

Thorathuru SLA Newsletter – October 2025

Call for Applications: Feasibility Report on Establishing a Retirement Village in NSW
Articles

Call for Applications: Feasibility Report on Establishing a Retirement Village in NSW

  • Quick Links:
  • Articles
  • DESMOND KELLY
  • Dr Harold Gunatillake
  • English Videos
  • Sri Lanka
  • Sinhala Videos
  • eLanka Newsletters
  • Obituaries
  • Tamil Videos
  • Dr. Harold Gunatillake
  • Sunil Thenabadu
  • Sinhala Movies
  • Trevine Rodrigo
  • Michael Roberts
  • Photos

eLanka

Your Trusted Source for News & Community Stories: Stay connected with reliable updates, inspiring features, and breaking news. From politics and technology to culture, lifestyle, and events, eLanka brings you stories that matter — keeping you informed, engaged, and connected 24/7.
Kerrie road, Oatlands , NSW 2117 , Australia.
Email : info@eLanka.com.au / rasangivjes@gmail.com.
WhatsApp : +61402905275 / +94775882546

(c) 2005 – 2025 eLanka Pty Ltd. All Rights Reserved.