Sunday Times 2
HelpAge conducts Christmas tree lighting ceremony with elders
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The annual customary Christmas tree lighting ceremony, organised by HelpAge Sri Lanka (HASL) with the participation of elderly citizens took place at HASL head office at Rattanapitiya, Borelasgamuwa recently.
Around 25 elders at H P Gooneratne HelpAge Elders’ Day Care Centre at Borupana, Ratmalana were present at the ceremony. Rev Father Ranadeva Dias delivered the Christmas message before lighting the traditional Christmas tree.
It was a very happy day for elders as many of them for the first time had witnessed such a colorful Christmas tree lighting ceremony.
HASL Executive Director Samantha Liyanawaduge who lit the Christmas tree praised the elders for their invaluable service rendered towards the country’s development in their early days.
He said it was the duty of present day generation to look after parents, grandparents and all other elders without isolating them in elders’ homes.
HASL Director, Youth Education Programme G C Mendis said such events strengthen the bond between communities of all religions.
In addition to elders the ceremony was also attended by HASL staff members Manjula Ediriweera, Nelum Ekanayaka and Douglas Paranawithana.