World’s Tallest Artificial Christmas Tree a success or a failure?

Sri Lanka is home to people of many nationalities, ethnic backgrounds and religions. Over the years, it has evolved to be a 'diversity culture' welcoming the celebration of various festivals at different times of the year. 

Christmas is one such festival which is celebrated all over the world irrespective of religion, caste or creed. While Christmas has had a special place in Sri Lanka from time immemorial, this time Sri Lanka made headlines around the world as it lit up the 'World's Tallest Artificial Christmas Tree' on Christmas Eve. 

At the onset of its construction, Colombo Archbishop, Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith said that this Christmas tree was a sheer waste of money. He said that the people responsible for this work should be asked to use the funds to construct houses for poor people or provide scholarships to poor children. His remarks made such an influence that the construction of the tree was halted for a brief period of time. 

The construction of the tree started three months ago with the intention of making it to the Guinness World Record. The tree stands at 315 feet in height and the estimated cost is approximately Rs. 12 million. It is expected to remain up until January 6, 2017.

Amidst much appreciation and criticism, the construction continued and the tree was lit up on Christmas Eve. However, much to the disappointment of the onlookers, the construction wasn't quite successful as many people claimed that it didn't even look like an actual Christmas tree. 

Speaking to us, economist and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Harsha De Silva said that it was an initiative put forth by a group of well-wishers. 

"No tax payers' money was spent on this construction. It was part of a carnival which was held at the Galle Face Green and this construction attracted many local and foreign tourists. From an economic perspective, this construction generated income for the people who put up small stalls at the venue. These kinds of initiatives are surrounded by a great deal of economic activity which I believe is a good thing because then people can earn something extra during the festive season," he added. 

Since it received much attention on social media, we compiled a few interesting comments regarding this construction: 

Rovin: "It's a failure because it should have started earlier. December is the month of Christmas but it was unveiled two days prior to Christmas Eve. It was built just for a Guinness Record and that shows it had had no purpose."

T. K. Rumesh : "In terms of effort, it is a success but on financial terms, it's a failure. I appreciate the idea and the plan to take it to an international level but in terms of project planning and risk calculation they should have put more thought into its shape. However I still believe that the money should have been allocated for the development of the community or for something meaningful."

Ashvin: "As Sri Lankans we should appreciate the effort."

Supun : "A good example in terms of the need to do something great for the whole world to see but also a good example of the lack of creativity and organisation."

Diyath : "Christmas is not about Christmas trees. It's about the spirit, the love and the joy and how people would care for each other and accept themselves for who they are."

Mahesh : "If I was given a chance to do this I would go for the same tree but with a better shape. I would add the same lighting but would make sure that it rotates itself giving free food, toys and gifts for children every hour, irrespective of their backgrounds. We might be able to go for the Guinness Record but if we could also reach out to humanity, we could show the world the 'true spirit of Christmas in SL'."

TE : "The tree doesn't look good in its appearance but from a PR point of view it has done a lot to help rebuild the image of Sri Lanka and show that we have religious tolerance. It would have been better if the tree was made out of recycled materials."

Nazmi : "I won't say that it's a failure but the success seems to have lost somehow due to its appearance. I wish it was better looking and it would have been an excellent view on the night sky of Christmas. But at least we tried."

Text by Kamanthi Wickramasinghe