Sri Lankan priest campaigns against giant Christmas tree

It's the type of commercialization of Christmas that should be protested against, says Father Sarath Iddamalgoda

Published: December 06, 2016 09:21 AM GMT

Updated: December 06, 2016 09:22 AM GMT

A Sri Lankan priest is using social media to rally support against the building of the world's tallest artificial Christmas tree in Colombo.

Using social media, Father Sarath Iddamalgoda believes the Christmas tree being installed at the Galle Face Green esplanade in the country's capital is a waste of money.

Estimated to cost Rs.20 million (US $133,000) the priest has been vocal on Facebook against the tree's construction calling it an "absurd thing."

Father Iddamalgoda launched the campaign at the end of November when he posted a message calling for people interested to join in and protest against this kind of commercialization of Christmas and waste of public funds.

"There are some priests and lay people who have supported my idea," Father Iddamalgoda said adding that he had also received a statement issued by the National Christian Council against this project.

On completion the tree is expected to be 114 meters tall.

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