History reveals that the very first celebration of Christmas was perhaps introduced to Sri Lanka by the Portuguese who ruled Sri Lanka from 1505 to 1650, then the Dutch ruled from 1658 to 1796 followed by the British who ruled from 1814 to 1948.

Preparations for Christmas in Sri Lanka start at the dawn of December 1st. Christmas spirit can be seen everywhere- from small wayside boutiques to huge shopping centers during the celebration of Christmas in Sri Lanka. Christmas tree are beautifully decorated and lit up in most of the shopping complexes and every Christian household in the country.

December 25th, the commemoration of the birth of Lord Jesus Christ is equally enjoyed by both the Christians and non-Christians of Sri Lanka. It is a public holiday on Christmas Day. On Christmas Eve, Christians attend the Midnight Mass held in churches, little Chapels and Cathedrals all over the country. People in the country find the festival as the perfect time to visit their relatives, friends, and neighbors to share the seasonal Christmas cake and wine and enjoy lavish lunch and dinner. Big companies have Christmas parties and large hotels have Christmas dinner dances.This continues until the Christmas season in Sri Lanka culminates.

Christmas is not only a time for giving but it is also a time to remember the message of peace that was given to the world by the Almighty God in whom all Christians repose their undivided faith.

Let us hope and pray as this Christmas Day approaches all human beings in the world learn to appreciate the message of peace given by The Almighty and aspire to live in peace and harmony

We wish all Sri Lankans a Merry Christmas and a Happy and prosperous 2015 full of peace, joy and tranquility. (ST/KH)