TThe Christian Society, in collaboration with the Harmony Centre, organized the Light Festival titled “Gaudium Natalis” of the University of Vavuniya on 11th December 2024 at 3:30 PM. The celebration marked the joyful spirit of Christmas, reflecting faith, unity, and togetherness within the university community.
Chief Guest and Distinguished Guests
The event was graced by His Lordship Ret. Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Fernando, Bishop of the Mannar Diocese, as the Chief Guest. The occasion was further honored by the presence of distinguished guests, including:
- Rev. Fr. Christunayagam, Vicar General of the Diocese of Mannar
- Professor A. Atputharajah, Vice Chancellor of the University of Vavuniya
- Rev. Fr. Soosainayagam, Parish Priest of Divine Mercy Shrine Pampaimad
Their presence added spiritual and academic significance to the celebration.
Participation and Audience
The festival brought together around 500 participants, creating a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere. The gathering included:
- Rev. Fathers and Rev. Sisters
- Pastors of Christian ministries and churches
- Deans of faculties
- Registrar and bursar
- Academic and administrative staff
- Students from all faculties of the university
This diverse participation reflected strong unity within the university community.
Cultural and Spiritual Performances
Students showcased a variety of meaningful performances during the event. The highlights included:
- Christmas carol singing in Sinhala, Tamil, and English
- Dramatic presentations depicting the birth of Jesus Christ (Nativity plays)
These performances beautifully conveyed the message of Christmas and highlighted cultural harmony and creativity among students.
Conclusion
The “Gaudium Natalis” Light Festival 2024 was a memorable celebration at the University of Vavuniya. It successfully promoted faith, unity, cultural diversity, and spiritual reflection, leaving a lasting impression on all participants.
