All posts by SLDHC Chennai

Mission Press Releases, Press Release

Participation of the Deputy High Commissioner in the 6th Annual Dinner Gathering of the Sri Lanka Friendship Association of South India

by SLDHC Chennai

Dr. Ganesanthan Geathiswaran, Deputy High Commissioner of Sri Lanka for Southern India, participated in the 6th Annual Dinner Gathering of the Sri Lanka Friendship Association of South India, held on 8th November 2025. The Deputy High Commissioner was honoured as an Esteemed Patron of the Association The gathering was also graced by the presence of Mr. V. Mahalingam, IFS (Retd.), Former Ambassador of India to Guyana, Antigua and Barbuda, and St. Kitts and Nevis and the first Consul General of India in Jaffna, Sri Lanka. During the event, the Deputy High Commissioner encouraged members of the association to continue their valuable efforts in promoting Sri Lanka’s development and strengthening its cultural and community ties in Southern India.

                       

       

Mission Press Releases, Press Release

Courtesy Call on the Deputy High Commissioner by Mr. V. Prabhakar Reddy, Member of Parliament, Andhra Pradesh

by SLDHC Chennai

Mr. V. Prabhakar Reddy, Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha, Nellore, Andhra Pradesh paid a courtesy call on Dr. Ganesanathan Geathiswaran, Deputy High Commissioner of Sri Lanka, on 29.10.2025. During the discussion, Mr. V. Prabhakar Reddy expressed a keen interest in investing in the agricultural sector in Sri Lanka, with a proposed project covering 1,000 acres. The Deputy High Commissioner extended an invitation to Mr. V. Prabhakar Reddy to visit Sri Lanka to explore potential investment opportunities

 

Cultural Events, Events

Ayudha Pooja Celebration in Chennai-2025

by SLDHC Chennai

The Sri Lanka Deputy High Commission in Chennai conducted the ‘Ayudha Pooja’ at the Post premise on 29th September 2025.  Ayudha Pooja is a traditional Hindu custom observed across India to pay homage to the tools, instruments, and equipment that people use in their professional and daily lives. During this ceremony, all kinds of tools and equipment, including vehicles, are worshipped as a mark of respect and gratitude. The event also includes the worship of Goddesses Saraswathi, Lakshmi, and Parvathi, symbolizing wisdom, prosperity, and strength respectively.  In keeping with this significant tradition, the Deputy High Commission invited a priest (Ayyar) from a local temple to conduct the Pooja rituals for all official vehicles and office equipment used by the staff of the Post.

Consular

Mandatory Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) from 15 October 2025

by SLDHC Chennai

As announced earlier, with effect from 15 October 2025, all those visiting Sri Lanka for
short-stay (tourism and business) purposes are required to obtain the Electronic Travel
Authorization (ETA) through website: eta.gov.lk.

1. As per the reciprocal/bilateral arrangements, passport holders of Seychelles,
Maldives and Singapore shall be exempted from fees.

2. Passport holders of People’s Republic of China, India, Russia, Thailand, Indonesia,
Malaysia and Japan will also receive ETA free of charge as per existing regulations.

3. The stipulated fee will be applicable to passport holder from all countries other than
those listed in Points 1 and 2.

The Department of Immigration and Emigration (DIE) will take active steps to ensure the
issuance of the ETA in an expeditious manner particularly in view of the oncoming tourist
high season.

Controller General s
Department of Immigration and Emigration