THE CEYLON BIBLE SOCIETY FESTIVAL OF CHOIRS – COLOMBO 2017

THE 25^TH FESTIVAL OF CHOIRS – COLOMBO

The 25^th Festival of Choirs organized by the Ceylon Bible Society celebrating the 205^th Anniversary of the Ceylon Bible Society was held on 1^st of August 2017 at the Cathedral of Christ the Living Saviour, Colombo 07.

Rt. Revd. Kumara Illangasinghe graced the occasion as the chief guest. The highlights of the event was a special combined choir item by 200 voices, as a tribute to Mrs. Lakshani Fernando, General Secretary Ceylon Bible Society, for her untiring & dedicated services rendered to Ceylon Bible Society. She will be retiring at the end of the year 2017.The choir was accompanied by Mr. Denham Pereira, Choir Director Bishop’s College Colombo and conducted by Mrs. Priyanthie Seneviratne VanDort Choir Director St. Bridget’s Convent Colombo.

The Opening Hymn was ‘Lord Thy Word Abideth’.The welcome speech was given by Mrs. Lakshani Fernando. The offertory prayer was offered by Mrs. Jayanthi David. The Bible reading was from Psalm 126 read by Ms. Nichelle Gnanasundaram winner, primary category of the ‘Light of the World’ speech contest for the year 2016.

The Choirs that participated were St. Aloysius’ Seminary Colombo 8, St. Benedict’s College, Ampitiya, St. John’s Church, Mattakkuliya, St. Bridget’s Convent Colombo 07, Methodist Memorial Church, Colombo 6, Bishop’s College, Colombo 03 and Wesley College, Colombo 08.

A special token of appreciation was presented to Mrs. Blodwen Weeratunga, Mrs. Daphne Charles and Mr. Mevan Peiris, as they have been a part of this event for nearly ten years and a floral presentation was made to Mrs. Lakshani Fernando.

The closing prayer and benediction was offered by Rt. Rev. Dhiloraj R. Canagasabey Bishop of Colombo the Patron of the Ceylon Bible Society. The final Hymn was the “Hymn for Ceylon” after which the service ended.

The Most Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Fernando Auxiliary Bishop of Colombo was among the special invitees that graced the occasion.

We thank God for the faithfulness He has shown us during the past 25 years in conducting this programme.