Sri Lankans celebrate White Christmas in New York

The Sri Lanka Association of New York ( SLANY) held its annual christmas party on a snowy Saturday last week at a Banquet Hall in New Jersey, across from New York City.

The snow did not prevent the revellers from attending the event. It provided a true White Christmas Celebration.

The event was attended by the association’s patron, Dr. Rohan Perera, Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the United Nations, many past presidents and more than 150 guests.

In welcoming the guests, Association President Deirdre Sriwardena said the Association continued to implement its motto “Togetherness” by including Sri Lankans of different faiths and ethnicities to its events. In fact, this year’s nativity Scene was conducted by a majority of non-Christian children.

Ambassador Perera congratulated the members for keeping the Sri Lankan culture alive amongst the expatriate community. He quoted a speech delivered by Pope Francis during his visit to Sri Lanka in 2015 wherein the Pope emphasized that “Diversity is no longer seen as a threat, but as a source of enrichment...”

The Evening started with the singing of carols and a Nativity Scene performed by children of diverse faiths! This was followed by a visit from Santa who entertained the children and distributed Gifts to all. The evening was followed dancing to music provided by a live Sri Lankan Band – “Village in the City”, and a sumptuous Buffet Dinner. Numerous prizes including airline tickets were won by the Guests.