The Colombo Municipal Council held its Christmas service at the council premises this week, with religious and provincial leaders in attendance, as the city scaled back festive activities amid recent national circumstances.
The service was attended by His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith and the Governor of the Western Province, Hanif Yusoof.
Colombo Mayor Vraîe Cally Balthazaar said the council revised its original Christmas plans over the past three weeks, opting to reduce several festivities while preserving the core values of the season.
She said the focus this year was on sharing, caring for neighbours, and remaining sensitive to the needs of the public.
Despite the scaled-down celebrations, the Colombo Municipal Council proceeded with its Christmas light-up, aligned with the governor’s theme, “Lights of Hope.”
Mayor Balthazaar said the initiative symbolised unity and resilience, urging citizens to embody hope as the country continues its rebuilding efforts.
“May we all be the light that this nation needs to rebuild,” she said. (Newswire)
