Christmas tree back on track

12 December 2016 12:20 pm - 37 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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The construction of the world’s tallest Christmas tree at the Galle Face Green has been resumed today after it was put on hold two weeks ago, the Ports and Shipping Ministry said.

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe is reported to have asked Minister Arjuna Ranatunga to resume the construction of the Christmas tree.

The Prime Minister and the Finance Minister had met Colombo's Archbishop Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith on Sunday and informed him that this tree was being built from private donations.

Earlier the Cardinal had said the construction of the Christmas tree was a waste of money and that it would have been much better to use the funds to construct houses for the poor or provide scholarships to poor children.

Later, the Prime Mover Driver's Union of the Ports Authority and Social Welfare Committee announced that the construction of the Christmas tree had been stopped. (Lahiru Pothmulla)

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Comments - 37

Santa Clause Monday, 12 December 2016 11:03 PM

First of all, it does not look like a X'mas tree at all.

Bala Monday, 12 December 2016 05:35 PM

The worst indignity to the Great Teacher is putting up Ranweta around Bodhiyas. Totally against the Dharma.

Minzy Gomez Monday, 12 December 2016 05:44 PM

private or public funds can be better utilized.I wait to see if Cardinal will comment

Dinith Monday, 12 December 2016 05:54 PM

If its private funds, why PM and FM has got involved ?

mike Monday, 12 December 2016 05:58 PM

why are others jealous -is it due to Christianity? imagine this for tourism / image building etc...

Angela Monday, 12 December 2016 09:02 PM

All we can do is express our thoughts. Our leaders aren't interested in listening to them or learning from the public. Are they openly trying to display their ignorance and lack of empathy by such wastage?

Ramanayake Monday, 12 December 2016 09:03 PM

The cats come out of the bag. True identity RW and RK is unwittingly shown.

johan Monday, 12 December 2016 09:43 PM

Though private contributions the organisers should have thought how this money could be utilized meaningfully asthere are lakhs of poor people who cannot even afford buy a pair of trousers, shirt or a proper meal a day during the festive season.

Sarath kuru Monday, 12 December 2016 10:32 PM

Good move let's hope for the best.

Sashee Monday, 12 December 2016 10:50 PM

If they want to stop the Christmas tree and donate the money u don't they first start with churches... remove all deco and also cancel all fiests and donate money spent on them .....

Lal Monday, 12 December 2016 05:33 PM

It's made by private donations and sponsors Cardinal cannot object

liberalmind Monday, 12 December 2016 11:22 PM

oh please! The whole world celebrates this season even the Vatican!! And if you really believe the teaching of Jesus, you wouldn't have a laptop or a phone and you would be wearing a robe and living to serve Jesus.......BUT you arent, so dont play that card

Mark Monday, 12 December 2016 11:55 PM

That's a good news.. Im happy it's back...

Sarojini Tuesday, 13 December 2016 01:47 AM

XLet me remind people that SL IS A Buddhist country.

nick Tuesday, 13 December 2016 03:30 AM

lets get on with our life we have no business over this as its privately funded & a private property we must learn from Muslim who does not spend on any of these silly worldly things even dead they treat very simply buried within 24 hour with almost no expenses via DM Android App

Dot Tuesday, 13 December 2016 03:47 AM

Christmas tree is a big thing in all commercial establishments all over the world specially in thew west .If we think its nothing to do with Christ but a tradition of the festivities of the cold regions of the world where the only tree looking green was the Pine so they cut up the tree brought it in and decorated for good cheer .So let go Chritians its not an issue for the PM'S INTERVENTION .May be his understanding of Chritianity who knows what goes on in the minds of the Politicians..Come let us show them our way of leading the World with Christ who loved his people and had no time fro glitz and glamor !if others want to dance round the tree for spiritual awakening let them be!

Lanka Tuesday, 13 December 2016 04:33 AM

Can't these private funds use to feed and cloth the poor? What would Christ say? Largest tree or feed the poor? Not only Christians, even BuddhistS need to think about this when they waste money on pandols.

Henry Tuesday, 13 December 2016 06:02 AM

Wecome Santa ...Volvo S90 would be one of the toys for big boys

Sanju Tuesday, 13 December 2016 12:36 PM

Private or public funds, it is still money that could have been used in the Christmas spirit to help the poor.

Madiya Monday, 12 December 2016 02:12 PM

The Cardinal should keep of this stupid show. A high tax on the people and these are not the solutions. A future case for the FCID?

Bandula Liyanaarachchi Monday, 12 December 2016 12:55 PM

Looking forward to a world record that is not the suicide rate.

Saman Monday, 12 December 2016 01:16 PM

Economically country is suffering from all sorts of problems but government find all sorts of ways to waste money without a shame. In what why this government is different to the previous one?

rosebud Monday, 12 December 2016 01:18 PM

Whether the donations are public or private - such waste is not in keeping with the spirit of Christmas Christianity or any other religious teaching. via DM Android App

daily boru Monday, 12 December 2016 01:54 PM

cardinal please dont give any support to this commercial adventure. via DM Android App

Sharon Monday, 12 December 2016 02:03 PM

Why does it come under a ministry if it was private donations You cant sell your lies anymore Hon. PM via DM iOS App

karigalan Monday, 12 December 2016 02:05 PM

Good move.Les move forward positively.lets history decide on right or wrong!

Poor man Monday, 12 December 2016 02:08 PM

After the tree is built our Premier Santa will come with his rein deers to fill our pockets. HO! HO!, HO!

Ajja Monday, 12 December 2016 02:11 PM

Economically country is suffering from all sorts of problems because of thieves on both sides and nothing to do with a tall Christmas tree,The whole world is celebrating Christmas not only Christians in this country but also the Buddhists who are married to Christians,so the step taken by PM was RIGHT.

ANTON Monday, 12 December 2016 12:51 PM

I THOUGHT ONLY CAPTAIN COOL WAS GOING TO DEMONSTRATE JINGLE BELLS, BUT AS A STRONG CATHOLIC, I FEEL SHAME TO SAY SOMETHING........

Mohamed Monday, 12 December 2016 02:12 PM

There are no differences with previous government and present government, General Public are suffering and Ministers and MP,s are enjoying their life at the peak

Pramod Fernando Monday, 12 December 2016 02:13 PM

Prime Minister has all the power in the world. The Executive President is just a title. Mr President please join us to hang ourselves around this tree once the work is finished.

Laura Monday, 12 December 2016 02:13 PM

Why not stop making Christmas trees and decorations at households. Also stop Wesak Thorana and Dalada Perahera and donate moneys to the poor.Only the Muslims do not waste money for these tamashas.Have not seen a more politically motivated statement from a religious leader. LOL

Siripala Monday, 12 December 2016 02:21 PM

Would the Buddhists stop making Wesak celebrations and pandals, if the Mahanayakas ask them to do so ?Would Gangaramaya stop the perahera if anybody ask to do so ?Would the Diyawadana Nilame stop the Kandy Perahara if the government ask them ?The answer is "NO".Why only the Christmas tree.

Sonali Monday, 12 December 2016 02:22 PM

Waiting to see them telling us to donate the millions we spend on pandols and lanterns during Wesak to the poor. To each his own.

Mrhy Monday, 12 December 2016 05:15 PM

Can you not read? The news clearly says it's all based on private donations.

Mrhy Monday, 12 December 2016 05:16 PM

But is it ok for the archbishop/pope to wear gold jewellery, fine silk garments and use a golden chalice? Jesus Christ was such a beautiful and humble man. He would never approve of such riches.

kumaran Monday, 12 December 2016 05:24 PM

There isnt a single positive comment! I am a believing Christian but will not support this foolish and arrogant wastage, even from a private donor. The Lord Jesus never wanted us to make merry on the date we recognize as being the date of His birth by a virgin. (The actual date and month of His birth is a mystery). But Jesus said to feed the hungry and help the weak. But RW and "cool" knows that so long as they have the power no one can stop them. Jesus was NEVER a Man given to arrogance.

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Christmas tree back on track

Comments - 37

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