All posts by SLDHC Chennai

Sri Lanka Deputy High Commission in Chennai concludes a Reception Marking the 75th Independence Day of Sri Lanka

Marking the 75th Independence Day of Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, the Deputy High Commission of Sri Lanka in Chennai had organized a Reception on 10th February, 2023 at Rajindra Hall, Hotel ITC Grand Chola. Hon. M .U. M. Ali Sabry, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka participated in this event, as the Chief Guest and Hon. S. Rajakumar, Member of Legislative Assembly of Tamil Nadu for Mayiladuthurai Constituency, as the Guest of Honour. And both of them joined Dr. D. Venkateshwaran, the Deputy High Commissioner, in a toast wishing the goodwill for the Nation and People of Sri Lanka as well as for the bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and Southern India.

Heads of the Diplomatic Mission in Chennai, other Diplomats, Government officials, leading Business figures, members of Sri Lanka Friendship Association in Southern India, well-wishers and celebrities in Southern India participated in this event. At the event, a prominence was given to showcase Sri Lankan products as well as to promote Foreign Direct Investments from Southern India to Sri Lanka. Hence, a hamper of compliments containing some selected Sri Lankan products and promotional materials on Tourism Sri Lanka tea etc. were distributed among the participants. The event was concluded with a dinner comprised with Sri Lankan delicacies, with the objective of showcasing Sri Lankan food traditions.

75th Anniversary of Independence of Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka Deputy High Commission celebrated the 75th Anniversary of Independence of Sri Lanka on 04th February, 2023 at the Chancery premises. The event commenced with the hoisting of the national flag. National anthem was sung in Sinhala as well as Tamil language. Buddhist, Hindu, Christian and Islam religious observances were made during the event. The Sri Lankan community living in South India participated at the event.

Sri Lanka Deputy High Commission in Chennai Celebrates Thai Pongal

Pongal, the four days long harvesting festival is celebrated as a thanksgiving event to thank the Sun God (Surya), Lord Indra, mother nature and farm animals that help in the harvest. It is celebrated in the month of January (Thai) during the solar equinoxIt is widely celebrated in Tamil Nadu and by Tamil people across the globe, during which the Sun is worshipped as the source of life, allowing for the growth of good harvest that provides food, prosperity, wealth & happiness. The Deputy High Commission organised the Pongal celebration on January 13, 2023 (Friday) at the Chancery premises with boiling of milk in a clay pot, preparation of sweet Pongal and performed pooja to invoke happiness, prosperity in abundance for the people of Sri Lanka. Mission staff and their family members participated at the event.

THE CEREMONIAL COMMENCEMENT OF WORK – 2023

The Sri Lanka Deputy High Commission in Chennai officially commenced work for the year 2023 on 02 January 2023. Accordingly, the programme commenced at 9.00 am with hoisting of the National Flag by Dr. D. Venkateshwaran, Deputy High Commissioner followed by singing of the National Anthem of Sri Lanka. Two minutes silence was observed to commemorate the war heroes and all others who sacrificed their lives on behalf of our motherland. Thereafter, all staff members jointly recited the ‘Oath/Affirmation of Public Servants’ in Sinhala, Tamil and English languages. The Deputy High Commissioner while addressing the staff of the Mission reiterated the sentiments expressed by H. E. the President on his New Year Message on overcoming present challenges and the contribution of the public servants in achieving objectives. The Deputy High Commissioner also highlighted the importance of government service in nation building and working together as a team to produce better outcomes.

Christmas Celebrations 2022

The Deputy High Commission of Sri Lanka for Southern India celebrated Christmas on December 16, 2022 at the Chancery premises. The Christmas message and the prayers were delivered by Rev. V. S. Vijayakumar. Mr. B. H. Abdul Hameed, world famous Tamil anchor was invited as a Special Guest by the Deputy High Commissioner Dr. D. Venkateshwaran. Lutheran Men’s Voice, an all male choir was invited as the Chief Guest for the event. The Mission invited teachers & students of C.S.I. Puthuir Special School in Chennai to share the joy of Christmas. Christmas Carols by invited students, Lutheran Men’s Voice, Mission staff and their family members were performed at the event.

Special Consular Camp 14.12.2022

The Deputy High Commission conducted its 20th Consular Camp on 14 December 2022. Hon. Piyal Nishantha de Silva, State Minister of Fisheries handed over the Consular Birth Certificates and Citizenship Certificates to the beneficiaries. Sri Lankan expatriates from 18 Rehabilitation Camps across Tamil Nadu attended the event.