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All posts by SLDHC Chennai

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