Blogs & Events

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

 

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.

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.

Deputy High Commissioner visited Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple and Information Centre, T. Nagar, Chennai.

The Deputy High Commissioner of Sri Lanka for Southern India, Dr. Ganesanathan Geathiswaran, participated in the morning special pooja at the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple and Information Centre, T. Nagar, Chennai.  During the visit, the Deputy High Commissioner met Mr. Dhananjaya, Assistant Executive Officer (AEO), Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), Chennai along with the President, Shri Sri Krishna, and other Board Members of TTD Chennai. 

Courtesy Call on Deputy High Commissioner – Mission ShakthiSAT

Dr. Srimathy Kesan, Founder and CEO of Space Kidz India, Managing Trustee of the SKI Star Foundation, and Mission Director of Mission ShakthiSAT and Advocate SB Arjunar, State Legal Secretary for Maiyyam paid a courtesy call on the Deputy High Commissioner of Sri Lanka for Southern India, Dr. Ganesanathan Geathiswaran, in Chennai on 2nd January 2026.  During the meeting, Dr. Srimathy Kesan briefed the Deputy High Commissioner on Mission ShakthiSAT, a historic global all-girls satellite initiative that brings together over 12,000 girl students from 108 countries to collaboratively design, build, and launch satellite missions, including a proposed lunar mission   The discussions also highlighted Sri Lanka’s participation in this landmark global initiative, underscoring opportunities for enhanced collaboration in space science education and youth empowerment.

        

Courtesy Call by Tamil Nadu Tiruvalluvar Mandram President

Mr. Thanga Prabu, President of Tamilnadu Tiruvalluvar Mandram  an organization dedicated to promoting Tamil culture, literature, values, and social unity, inspired by the teachings of Thiruvalluvar paid a courtesy call on the Deputy High Commissioner of Sri Lanka for Southern India, Dr. Ganesanathan Geathiswaran, in Chennai on 1st January 2026.

                       

Participation of the Deputy High Commissioner in Civic Reception Honouring the Vice-President of India

The Deputy High Commissioner of Sri Lanka for Southern India, Dr. Ganesanathan Geathiswaran, participated in the civic reception followed by a banquet hosted by Mr. R. N. Ravi, Hon’ble Governor of Tamil Nadu, in honour of the Hon. C. P. Radhakrishnan, Vice-President of India. The event was held at Bharathiar Mandapam, Lok Bhavan, Chennai, on 02 January 2026, marking the maiden visit of the Vice-President to the State capital after assuming office.   During the event, the Deputy High Commissioner held fruitful discussions with the Hon. C. P. Radhakrishnan, Vice-President of India, on strengthening Sri Lanka–India cooperation, particularly in the fields of education, industry, and healthcare.

                

New year 2026

The Sri Lanka Deputy High Commission in Chennai commenced official work for the year 2026 on 01 January 2026.  The official programme commenced with the hoisting of the National Flag by Dr. Ganesanathan Geathiswaran, Deputy High Commissioner, followed by the singing of the National Anthem. Two-minute silence was observed in remembrance of war heroes following which the staff of the office took Oath/Affirmation of Public Servants.   While addressing the staff of this Mission, the Deputy High Commissioner highlighted the importance of public service, teamwork, and collective efforts in nation-building.