Recent News / Alerts

Attends Vanakkam Tamil Nadu in Chennai

The Deputy High Commissioner of Sri Lanka for Southern India, Dr. Ganesanathan Geathiswaran, participated as the Chief Guest at the “Vanakkam Tamil Nadu” Programme and the Launch of the “Global Tamil Nadu House” Project, Washington D.C.–Chennai, held on 12 January 2026 in Chennai. Mr. S. M. Nasar, Hon’ble Minister for Minorities Welfare and Non-Resident Tamils Welfare, Government of Tamil Nadu, graced the occasion along with several other prominent dignitaries, officials, community leaders.

 

Celebration of Thai Pongal at the Sri Lanka Deputy High Commission, Chennai – 14 January 2026

The Deputy High Commission of Sri Lanka for Southern India celebrated Thai Pongal with the participation of Mission staff on the morning of 14 January 2026 at the Chancery premises. The Chancery was decorated with traditional kolam designs, sugarcane, turmeric plants, and flowers, creating a festive and auspicious atmosphere.  All the sacred rituals were performed by Dr. Ganesanathan Geathiswaran, Deputy High Commissioner, together with his spouse, Mrs. Krithiga Devi. Thai Pongal is dedicated to Surya and is the most important day of the four-day harvest festival celebrated by Tamils across India. The festival symbolizes thanksgiving, prosperity, wealth, unity, and new beginnings. The main ritual of the day was the preparation of the traditional Pongal dish in a clay pot. As the milk boiled over, symbolizing abundance and prosperity, the gathering joyfully exclaimed “Pongalo Pongal,” expressing hopes for happiness, success, and good fortune. The freshly prepared Pongal was first offered to Surya, the Sun God, as a gesture of gratitude for nature’s blessings. Special prayers were conducted seeking prosperity, harmony, and well-being for Sri Lanka, the Mission, and all staff members and their families.

Thai Pongal

Dr. Ganesanathan Geathiswaran, Deputy High Commissioner of Sri Lanka for Southern India, along with his family, participated in the “Cultures of India – Namma Pongal” celebrations hosted by the 47th Area 2 RT Board and the 18th Area 2 LC Board in Chennai.

Meeting with Mr. Cecil Sunder, Microsoft, and Discussion on AI Collaboration with Sri Lanka

Mr. Cecil Sunder, Director of Data and AI, Microsoft, met the Deputy High Commissioner of Sri Lanka for Southern India, Dr. Ganesanathan Geathiswaran, at his office on 13 January 2026. During the meeting, discussions focused on strengthening cooperation between Sri Lanka and Microsoft, particularly in the areas of data analytics and artificial intelligence. The discussions also covered potential collaborations in education, skills development, and technology-driven solutions that could support Sri Lanka’s development priorities. Special attention was given to the revision of AI curricula and the introduction of structured AI skilling programmes, with an emphasis on building digital capacity among students, teachers, and young professionals. It was also proposed to focus these initiatives in the Northern areas of Sri Lanka, with the aim of empowering youth through technology, enhancing employability, and supporting inclusive regional development. Mr. Cecil Sunder also expressed his intention to visit Sri Lanka in the near future to further explore these collaborative initiatives. The Deputy High Commission of Sri Lanka for Southern India also extends its sincere appreciation to Mr. Cecil Sunder, Director of Data and AI, Microsoft, for his generous financial contribution towards the Sri Lanka Flood Relief Fund. His support during this critical time is deeply appreciated.

Courtesy call with Hon. Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu

The Deputy High Commissioner of Sri Lanka, Dr. Ganesanathan Geathiswaran, paid a courtesy call on the Mr. M.K. Stalin, Hon. Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.  During the meeting, the Deputy High Commissioner highlighted the importance of promoting educational opportunities for Sri Lankan students and formally requested the allocation of scholarships for students in universities across Tamil Nadu. The Chief Minister welcomed the initiative and expressed interest in supporting educational exchanges that benefit students from Sri Lanka

 

Donation of flood relief items

The Deputy High Commission of Sri Lanka for Southern India extends its heartfelt gratitude to Expo Freight Private Limited for their generous donation of flood relief items towards the Sri Lanka Flood Relief Fund. Your support during this critical time is deeply appreciated.

Deputy High Commissioner of Sri Lanka, Dr. Ganesanathan Geathiswaran paid a courtesy call on Hon. Mr. Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi, Minister for School Education of Tamil Nadu.

The Deputy High Commissioner of Sri Lanka, Dr. Ganesanathan Geathiswaran, along with Mr. Cecil Sunder, Director of Data and AI at Microsoft, paid a courtesy call on Hon. Mr. Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi, Minister for School Education of Tamil Nadu. During the meeting, they discussed collaborative opportunities in the field of education, including initiatives to integrate technology and AI-driven solutions to enhance teaching and learning outcomes. The discussions also focused on strengthening educational ties between Sri Lanka and Tamil Nadu through technology-enabled programs and knowledge-sharing initiatives.

Sri Lanka Deputy High Commissioner Participates in World Tamil Diaspora Day 2026 Celebrations in Chennai

The Deputy High Commissioner of Sri Lanka, Dr. Ganesanathan Geathiswaran, participated in the World Tamil Diaspora Day 2026 celebrations, which highlighted Tamil identity, unity, and cultural heritage, held at the Chennai Trade Centre on 11th and 12th January 2025. The two-day event brought together representatives of the Tamil diaspora, cultural organizations, scholars, artists, and community leaders from different parts of the world. The programme featured cultural performances, panel discussions, exhibitions, and interactive sessions focusing on the history, language, traditions, and global contributions of the Tamil community. The dignitaries included Mr. M.K. Stalin, Hon. Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Mr. Udhayanidhi Stalin, Hon. Deputy Chief Minister of Tamil Naduwho inaugurated the event. Mr. Duraimurugan, Hon. Minister for Water Resources, Tamil NaduMr. S. M. Nasar, Hon. Minister for Minorities Welfare and Non-Resident Tamils Welfare, Mr. Palanivel Thiaga Rajan, Hon. Minister for Information Technology and Digital Services of Tamil Nadu and Hon. Mr. Sundaralingam Pradeep, Deputy Minister for Plantation and Community Infrastructure, Sri Lanka. Dr. Geathiswaran interacted with participants and dignitaries, emphasizing the importance of strengthening cultural ties and people-to-people connections between Sri Lanka and the global Tamil diaspora.

Contribution of Flood relief items

The Deputy High Commission of Sri Lanka for Southern India extends its heartfelt gratitude to the beloved Sri Lankan community of the Rehabilitation Camp in Lenavilakku from Pudukkottai, for their generous financial contributions to the Sri Lanka Flood Relief Fund.

தென்னிந்தியாவிற்கான இலங்கை துணைத்தூதரகம், புதுக்கோட்டையில் உள்ள லேனாவிளக்கு மறுவாழ்வு முகாமில் வசிக்கும் அன்பான இலங்கை சமூகத்தினருக்கு, இலங்கை வெள்ள நிவாரண நிதிக்கு தாராளமாக நிதி பங்களிப்பு செய்ததற்கு, தனது மனமார்ந்த நன்றியைத் தெரிவித்துக் கொள்கிறது. இந்த நெருக்கடியான நேரத்தில் உங்கள் ஆதரவு மிகவும் பாராட்டத்தக்கது.

Contribution of Flood relief items

The Deputy High Commission of Sri Lanka for Southern India extends its heartfelt gratitude to the Expo Freight Private Limited, Chennai for their generous donation of flood relief items towards the Sri Lanka Flood Relief Fund. Your support during this critical time is deeply appreciated. 

 

Deputy High Commissioner Participates in Umagine TN 2026 Technology and Innovation Summit

The Deputy High Commissioner of Sri Lanka for Southern India Dr. Ganesanathan Geathiswaran,  participated in Umagine TN 2026, a premier global technology and innovation summit held in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, which brought together policymakers, industry leaders, innovators, and technology experts from across the world on 8th January 2026. The Deputy High Commissioner attended the event along with Mr. Cecil Sundar, Microsoft AI & Data Head and Director, engaging in discussions on emerging technologies, artificial intelligence, data-driven governance, and digital transformation.

 

Deputy High Commissioner Attends 50th Anniversary Celebration of Director K. Bhagyaraj

The Deputy High Commissioner of Sri Lanka for Southern India, Dr. Ganesanathan Geathiswaran, participated in the celebration marking the completion of 50 golden years in the film industry of renowned Tamil film director and actor Mr. K. Bhagyaraj. The commemorative event was held at Kalaivanar Arangam, Chennai, on 07 January 2026, in the presence of distinguished personalities including Hon’ble Mr. M. K. Stalin, Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu; Mr. Rajinikanth, eminent Indian actor; Mr. Kamal Haasan, Member of the Rajya Sabha; as well as members of the film fraternity, cultural circles, and other invited guests.

Contribution of relief items

The Deputy High Commission of Sri Lanka for Southern India extends its heartfelt gratitude to the Repatriates Welfare Trust (Founded by REPCO Bank)Chennai for their generous donation of flood relief items towards the Sri Lanka Flood Relief Fund. Your support during this critical time is deeply appreciated.