Pasam Lathoni Competition

Showcasing Talent & Devotion

Island-wide Pasam and Lathoni Singing Competition - 2025

It is observed that the unique Pasam and Lathoni singing, which were introduced to Sri Lanka by the Reverend Father Jacome Gonsalves, is currently disappearing from the Christian community. With the aim of bringing this unique Christian folk singing, which has been preserved by our ancestors for over 300 years, closer to the next generation, the Department of Christian Religious Affairs has planned to hold an island-wide Pasam and Lathoni singing competition for the children of Catholic schools and Catholic Dhamma schools on the occasion of the 2025 Chathurika season.

Competition Conditions

Only Catholic school students and Catholic Dhamma school students can apply.
The competition will be held in both Sinhala and Tamil medium.
Each student can only perform in one language medium.
It should be a group singing.
A group should have a minimum of 08 members and a maximum of 12 including the musicians. (Including the musicians. If musical instruments are used, they should be provided by themselves. A maximum of two instruments can be used from the keyboard/harmonium/violin. Accordingly, the maximum number of musicians in the group is 02. The use of musical instruments in singing is not mandatory. The playing is not relevant to the judging of the competition.)
One song each from each of the two genres, Pasam and Lathoni, should be submitted. (The Pasam and Lathoni that you intend to sing should be submitted to the department along with the application and confirmed that it is correct)
- Pasam - Songs written about the suffering of the children of Jesus.
- Lathoni - Songs reflecting the lamentation of Mary.
Each song should be limited to 3 minutes.
You must submit an application prepared by you with the recommendation of the school principal/principal. (The application should state the name of the group, address, phone number and WhatsApp number of the group leader. All information about the competition will be made through that phone number)
The Department's website (www.christian.gov.lk) allows you to download pasam and Lathni verses and melodies.
209 Pasam songs have been uploaded on the Department's YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/@christianreligiousaffairs)
It is not mandatory to sing the Pasam songs preserved by the Department as above and one can sing a Pasam and Lathroni of one's choice according to the words and tunes peculiar to one's area.
The venues for the competitions will be decided based on the nature of the applications received.
The decision of the judging panel is final.