Seylan Bank celebrates ‘Christmas in Harmony’ with carols for 26th consecutive year

Seylan Bank recently held its annual Christmas carols under the theme ‘Celebrating Christmas in Harmony’ to usher in the festive season. 
A highly anticipated annual event, which is now in its 26th year, the carols were held at St. Thomas Preparatory College, adjoining Seylan Tower, in order to accommodate an enthusiastic audience of more than 800. In keeping with its reputation as one of the most socially engaged banks in Sri Lanka, the event was also live streamed on Seylan Bank’s Facebook page, earning over 20,000 views.
Twenty two talented singers from the bank, regardless of religion and ethnicity, took part in the choral celebrations, in order to mark the season on a spiritual and celebratory note. The choir delighted the audience with traditional and modern carols, much-loved Christmas songs and a singalong session. The Seylan Bank Eastern region branches too joined bringing a couple of specials as well.
In his message at the event, St. Thomas Preparatory College Headmaster Rev. Father Dushantha Rodrigo noted that the spirit of Christmas was one that must be shared amongst all people, especially those less fortunate. He mentioned that Christmas carols are meant to be sung outside and messages of peace should be shared with the entire world and commended Seylan Bank for making it happen – as the carols were held outdoors, many tourists and passersby also dropped in to witness the carols and remained engrossed throughout the evening. 
The event concluded with a singalong session with the active participation of the audience. Colour was also added to the evening with the involvement of the children of the choristers, who joined in to sing ‘Silent Night’ and some favoured Christmas songs.
All children in attendance were pleasantly surprised with gifts by Santa Claus. The 800-strong audience at the event encompassed the bank’s valuable clientele, families of staff, Seylan Bank chairman and director/CEO, senior management as well as former chairmen and CEOs of the bank. 
The Seylan Bank choir was trained by Dr. Priyeshni Peiris Perera, while the main choir comprised Vernie De Silva, Radha Perera, Chathurika Perera, Kavindi Senarath, Natasha Rupanath, Malki Lokuge, Dilki Muthukuda, Pavithri Wijeratne, Sinaly Senadheera, Amanda Wanigasekera, Janaka Fernando, Hemal Kuruwitaarachchi, Roshan Dissanayake, Akila Ariyathilaka, Menuka Vithanage, Sherine Dinesh, Pabasara Jayarathne, Ann Ferdinando, Nalin Karunaratne, Supem Peiris, Wishmitha Sachinthana and Charles Wass.