Category Events

The Deputy High Commission of Sri Lanka in Chennai hosted a networking reception in celebrating of the 78th Independence Day of Sri Lanka on 23 February 2026 at The Leela Palace, Chennai. The event was attended by 350 distinguished guests, including members of the Diplomatic Corps, Government officials, representatives of the business community, and well-wishers

The programme commenced with a graceful performance by the Sri Lanka Police dance troupe featuring the vibrant “Pooja Netuma,” a traditional Sri Lankan devotional dance customarily performed at the beginning of auspicious ceremonies to invoke blessings and pay reverence to deities.

The Chief Guest of the event was Hon. Palanivel Thiaga Rajan, Minister for Information Technology and Digital Services of the State of Tamil Nadu. The Guests of Honour were Mr. R. Sarathkumar, Actor, Former Member of Parliament, Former Member of Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, National Executive Member of BJP, Mr. Jose Charles Martin,

Chairman and Managing Director of the Charles Group of Companies and Mrs. Leema Rose Martin, Director of the Charles Group of Companies.

The Deputy High Commissioner Dr. Ganesanathan Geathiswaran in his address expressed appreciation for the presence of valued partners and friends, noting that their participation reflected the enduring and close ties between Sri Lanka and India, particularly with the State of Tamil Nadu. He highlighted Sri Lanka’s ongoing journey of rebuilding following recent challenges and conveyed sincere gratitude for the steadfast support extended by the Government of India and the Government of Tamil Nadu. He further emphasized the shared commitment to deepening cooperation in trade, tourism, investment, and people-to-people ties, with a view to promoting mutual prosperity of Sri Lanka and India. The Western Music Band of the Sri Lanka Police and its Dance Troupe entertained the audience throughout the evening with captivating performances showcasing Sri Lanka’s artistic excellence and adding vibrance to the celebration.

A significant highlight of the event was the official inauguration of the “Sri Lanka – South India Business Association” Mr. G. L. Gnanatheva, Minister (Commerce) of the Deputy High Commission made a speech on the objectives of setting up the association and stated that the association is a new chapter in strengthening trade and economic cooperation between Sri Lanka and South India.

To commemorate Sri Lanka’s 78th Anniversary of Independence, a ceremonial cake was cut on stage by the Deputy High Commissioner together with the Chief Guest and the Guests of Honour. Hence, a hamper of compliments containing Sri Lankan Tea and other products were distributed among the participants. The event was concluded with a dinner with Sri Lankan delicacies.

The Deputy High Commission of Sri Lanka in Chennai commemorated the 78th Independence Day of Sri Lanka with a networking reception held on 23 February 2026 at The Leela Palace Chennai. On this occasion, for the first time, the Western Music Band of the Sri Lanka Police and its Dance Troupe travelled to Chennai to perform and entertained the audience throughout the evening with captivating performances, showcasing Sri Lanka’s artistic excellence and adding vibrancy to the celebration.

The Deputy High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to Southern India, Dr. Ganesanathan Geathiswaran, attended the official ceremony celebrating the Republic Day of India ceremony organized by the Government of Tamil Nadu on 26 January 2026. The Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Thiru M.K. Stalin, hoisted the National Flag, followed by a parade salute by the tri-force and the Police. The event was attended by Ministers of the Government of Tamil Nadu, Members of the Legislative Assembly, diplomatic representatives, senior officials, and other distinguished invitees.

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.

sinhala Message

English_Message

Tamil_Message

new year message english_260101_075513

new year message sinhala_260101_080234

new year message Tamil_260101_075556

Google drive link: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1VBhiyNEPG-3SVjsvHB2s2xnkEHVRaekv

Attachment 1

The Sri Lanka Deputy High Commission in Chennai conducted the ‘Ayudha Pooja’ at the Post premise on 29^th 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.

Dr. Ganesanathan Geathiswaran, Deputy High Commissioner of Sri Lanka, visited Rela Hospital on 23^rd September 2025. The visit commenced with a cordial reception by the International Patient Services (IPS) Team at the Chairman’s Office, followed by interactions with Mr. Mohammed Farouk (Chief Operation’s Officer), Mr. Ramesh Krishnan (Executive Director), Dr. Gomathy Narasimhan (Senior Consultant – Liver, Renal Transplantation & Hepatobiliary Surgery), and the IPS Team. An engaging presentation on Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) was delivered by Dr. Julius Xavier Scott (Director, Department of Paediatric Hemato-Oncology), supported by Dr. Divya Manohar (Clinical Haemato-Oncology Consultant) and his team. The Deputy High Commissioner were also toured the hospital, meeting Dr. Mukul Vij (Director, Clinical Laboratory; Senior Consultant – Histopathology) and Dr. Deepti Sachan (Senior Consultant & Clinical Lead- Transfusion Medicine). A highlight of the visit was the discussion with Prof. Mohamed Rela, exploring possibilities for long-term healthcare collaborations with Sri Lanka, including the establishment of Specialized Transplant Hospitals, particularly for Bone Marrow and Liver Transplant in Sri Lanka.

The Deputy High Commissioner, Dr. Ganesanathan Geathiswaran, visited the Expovan Group of Companies, particularly their vanilla processing facility in Pollachi, Tamil Nadu, on 28 August 2025. The purpose of this visit was to initiate discussions on the potential for natural vanilla exports from India to Sri Lanka and to explore the broader opportunities of developing vanilla cultivation in Sri Lanka, drawing on the extensive expertise developed in India. The Chairman of Expovan Group, Dr. Mahendran, has successfully positioned Expovan as a recognized supplier of premium natural vanilla products to global flavour houses, food manufacturers, and retailers. During the visit, the Deputy High Commissioner was briefed on the company’s farming operations, including their vanilla cultivation projects in Sri Lanka, spanning 500 acres and an additional 1,000 acres under development.  The company also expressed their interest in visiting Sri Lanka to further strengthen cooperation and explore new avenues of collaboration.

As you are aware, H.E. the President launched the “Clean Sri Lanka” project  01.01.2025 with the objective of ensuring a cleaner physical environment and a nationwide moral commitment to enhance ethical principles.
The official website of the “Clean Sri Lanka” Project can be accessed through the following link;    https://cleansrilanka.gov.Ik

Marking the 75^th Independence Day of Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, the Deputy High Commission of Sri Lanka in Chennai had organized a Reception on 10^th 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.

Sri Lanka Deputy High Commission celebrated the 75th Anniversary of Independence of Sri Lanka on 04^th 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.