Daily NEWS Srilanka

The world's tallest Christmas Tree which was being erected at Galle Face Green, Colombo was stopped on its tracks after it came under censure and now after 5 days since then the decision has been changed and construction on the project has once more commenced. 

As such, the operations which ceased on the 7th have recommenced today by 12 o'clock, Minister of Ports Arjuna Ranatunga informed the media. The reason to withdraw this project was the criticism at a media briefing held by Archbishop Cardinal
saying that this effort was an utter waste of money. On the 6th of this month the Archbishop informed that it would be better if the monies expended for the Christmas Tree be directed towards the poor people and the balance funds be directed towards welfare activities; that in the meantime he was not aware of this and to stop the proceedings and inform publicly by putting up a board to that effect. As such, the Ports Media Unit called a media discussion and informed that Minister Arjuna Ranatunga it has decided to call off the proceedings of the project.

Whatever it is, subsequently the already constructed parts were left as they were and an operation was launched to convince the Archbishop on this matter. As such, what was reported yesterday was that Minister Arjuna had proceeded to explain matters by getting the Prime Minister and the Archbishop to engage in a dialogue. During the discussion, matters concerning the wastage of 60 lakhs already spent in this connection was explained and that the influx of tourists to five star tourist hotels at the end of the year is envisaged and through that it would in turn result in a boost of income to the country were explained to the Archbishop by the Prime Minister. At the same time, it was pointed out that the balance monies expected to be spent for further erection activities has already been allocated. 

The Archbishop on the other hand explained that it was a crime that work had already been in progress and that the festival of Christmas is but a festival of the poor; that work of this nature is not suitable in this context. Having accepted the point that there is no other alternative about wastage and because the Prime Minister intervened in these circumstances finally permission was granted to carry on with the construction of the Christmas Tree. The Archbishop further mentioned that activities of this type in future be not carried out. 

Accordingly, construction work on the Christmas Tree recommenced and the team practically engaged in the building activities are preparing to somehow or other complete the related work before the 25th and after completion and establishing, thus boast of a record of the world's tallest Christmas Tree and thus keep the Christmas Tree for public exhibition for a period of 10 days.