Category Cultural Events

The Deputy High Commission of Sri Lanka in Chennai hosted an ‘Iftar’ function on 16 March 2026 at the Chancery premises, marking the observance of the holy month of Ramadan. The programme commenced with the recitation of Qirath by Imam Aalim Haji Omar Rilwan of the Puliyur Mosque, Kodambakkam, setting a solemn and spiritual tone for the evening. Addressing the gathering, the Deputy High Commissioner, Dr. Ganesanathan Geathiswaran, underscored the importance of respecting and upholding the values of all religions and ethnic communities. He highlighted the significance of such occasions in fostering harmony, unity, and mutual understanding among diverse communities. Imam Aalim Haji Omar Rilwan, in his address, elaborated on the spiritual significance of fasting during Ramadan, emphasizing its values of discipline, compassion, and self-reflection. The prayer of supplication was led by Imam Mohammed Akbar Ali Shah Aamiri, Traditional Quazi of the Government of Tamil Nadu, invoking blessings for peace, prosperity, and the continued well-being of Sri Lanka and its people. The event proceeded with the traditional breaking of the fast at sunset, in keeping with the customs of Ramadan. The gathering was attended by distinguished guests, well-wishers of Sri Lanka, and staff members. Guests were served a selection of traditional refreshments to break the fast, followed by an opportunity for warm interaction, reflecting the spirit of goodwill and togetherness that defines the holy month.

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.

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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.

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 equinox. It 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 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.

Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is a festival celebrated throughout India and worldwide by Hindu communities as well as by Jain and Sikh communities. During this festival, homes, temples and work spaces are illuminated with oil lamps, candles and lanterns. Diwali is also marked with fireworks and the decoration of floors with Kolam designs. Food is a major focus with families partaking in feasts and sharing sweets (mithai). The festival is an annual bonding period not only for families, but also for communities and associations. Marking this, Deputy High Commission of Sri Lanka in Southern India had organized a Diwali Night on 28.10.2022 at the Chancery Premises. Staff and the family members of the Deputy High Commission, Bank of Ceylon, Srilankan Airlines in Chennai, Sri Lanka Friendship Association in Southern India, well-wishers, leading business figures and celibrities in Southern India participated this event. As this is the first public event organized by the Mission after the Covid-19 outbreak in Tamil Nadu, Dr. D. Venkateshwaran, the Deputy High Commissioner, delivered a brief account on the progress that Mission has achieved since 2021. Additionally, he accepted a donation of books from S. Ve. Shekher, a South Indian actor, director, screenwriter and politician. Cultural events were performed by the staff and family members of Deputy High Commission and Bank of Ceylon. Event concluded with a dinner which included Sri Lankan and South Indian delicacies.

Ayudha Pooja is a Hindu festival that is traditionally celebrated in India. It may be translated to “worship of Instruments”. In this festival, various types of equipment and tools including vehicles are revered by the people. This Puja is considered a meaningful custom, which focuses specific attention to one’s profession and its related tools and connotes that a divine force is working behind it to perform well and for getting the proper reward. Saraswati (the Goddess of wisdom, arts and literature), Lakshmi (the goddess of wealth) and Parvati (the divine mother), are also being worshipped in this pooja. Marking a blend between Sri Lankan and Indian cultures, Sri Lanka Deputy High Commission in Chennai celebrated Ayudha Pooja on 07th October, 2022. In this Pooja, all vehicles and equipment used by the staff of the Deputy High Commission were revered.

Remarking the birth, the enlightenment, and the passing away of Lord Buddha, Vesak (Buddha Punima) is widely celebrated in South and South East Asia, among the followers of Buddhism. Accordingly, Deputy High Commission of Sri Lanka in Chennai, celebrated Vesak festival on 15th May, 2022 at the Chancery premises, with the participation of the Mission staff. Under the invitation of Dr. D. Venkateshwaran, the Deputy High Commissioner, Ven. Buddawansalankara thero (Ven. Gauthama Mauriyar thero) of Rameshwaram, also participated the Celebration and preformed a special Bodhi pooja, well-wishing Sri Lanka and people.