Category Press Release

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.

Mr. Blaze Kannan, Hon. Secretary & Managing Director of Life Help Centre for the Handicapped, a Non-Governmental Organisation established in 1977, has been dedicated to serving differently-abled and underprivileged children, young adults, and adults across Tamil Nadu, India. The organisation actively works in the areas of education, healthcare, training, skill development, and employment, with the aim of enabling inclusive growth and dignity for all.
With a vision to expand its humanitarian mission beyond borders, Life Help Centre has launched an ambitious initiative to donate and install 100 Reverse Osmosis (RO) purified drinking water plant valued at USD 1 million to government-run schools. This initiative seeks to ensure safe and clean drinking water for students, contributing to better health, hygiene, and learning environments.
On the recommendation of Dr. Ganesanathan Geathiswaran, Deputy High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to Southern India, the first RO water purification system was installed at The Hindu Boys College, Bambalapitiya, on February 12, 2026. Hon. Hanif Yusoof, Governor of Western province participated as the Chief Guest, Dr. Ganesanathan Geathiswaran, Deputy High Commissioner consented to be the Guest of Honour along with participation of Mr. Blaze Kannan and Eng. A. K. Abdul Jabbar, Additional Secretary , Ministry of Education as the Special Guests in the presence of various dignitaries.
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Rehabilitation-Development-and-Recommencement-the-Operations-of-the-KurunchathivuSaltern-on-a-Public-Private-Partnership-PPP

Mr. Blaze Kannan, Hon. Secretary & Managing Director of Life Help Centre for the Handicapped, a Non-Governmental Organisation established in 1977, has been dedicated to serving differently-abled and underprivileged children, young adults, and adults across Tamil Nadu, India. The organisation actively works in the areas of education, healthcare, training, skill development, and employment, with the aim of enabling inclusive growth and dignity for all. With a vision to expand its humanitarian mission beyond borders, Life Help Centre has launched an ambitious initiative to donate and install 100 Reverse Osmosis (RO) purified drinking water plant valued at USD 1 million to government-run schools. This initiative seeks to ensure safe and clean drinking water for students, contributing to better health, hygiene, and learning environments. Marking the beginning of this noble project, the first RO water purification system is being installed at The Hindu Boys College, Bambalapitiya, on the recommendation of Dr. Ganesanathan Geathiswaran, Deputy High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to Southern India.

Finalysed Advertisment 22 01 2026 (1)

A Committee has been appointed with the approval of the Cabinet of Ministers of Sri Lanka to make recommendations for establishing a formal mechanism to enable Sri Lankan citizens living abroad to exercise their voting rights.

With a view to developing a democratic, transparent, and efficient system, the Committee has decided to seek written views and suggestions from relevant stakeholders including Sri Lankan citizens residing overseas and civil society organizations.
Accordingly, Sri Lankan citizens residing in the Southern India are requested to submit their views and suggestions in writing with particular focus on the following areas:

• Voter registration
• Election campaigning and advertising
• Voting procedures
• Counting of votes and declaration of results

Your suggestions may be directly forwarded to the following address on or before 12 February 2026;
Committee appointed with the approval of the Cabinet of Ministers of Sri Lanka to make recommendations for establishing a formal mechanism to enable Sri Lankan citizens living abroad to vote

Legal Division, No.330, Union Place, Colombo 02, Sri Lanka
Email : legal@pclg.gov.lk

දැන්වීම – New
දැන්වීම – English 2026.01.20
Tamil (1)

The Deputy High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to Southern India, Dr. Ganesanathan Geathiswaran, attended the launch of “The Fragile Frontiers – Where Innovation, Politics, and Power Collide in Space” as the Guest of Honour. The book is authored by Dr. Srimathy Kesan, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Space Kidz India. The event was graced by Ms. Meenakshi Lekhi, Former Minister of State for External Affairs, Government of India, as the Chief Guest. Other distinguished dignitaries present included Dr. Neeraj A. Sharma, Honorary Consul General of the Republic of Palau, Mr. J. Ranganathan, Honorary Consul of Myanmar in India, along with members of the diplomatic corps, academics, industry experts, and invited guests.

The Deputy High Commission of Sri Lanka for Southern India organised its traditional almsgiving (Dana) ceremony for Buddhist monks on 30 January 2026, marking the 78th Anniversary of Independence of Sri Lanka.  The Dana offering was respectfully received by Ven. Nugagolle Chandraratne Thero, Nayaka Thero of the Mahabodhi Society, Chennai along with Ven. Maththamagama Rahula Thero, Ven. Divyananda Thero, and Ven. Walpola Saddananda Thero.  The religious observance was conducted in remembrance of the martyrs who sacrificed their lives in the struggle for Sri Lanka’s independence and to invoke blessings for peace, harmony, and prosperity for the nation and its people. 

The Deputy High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to Southern India, Dr. Ganesanathan Geathiswaran, participated in the Northern Investment Summit 2026 held in Jaffna, Sri Lanka from 21^st -22^nd January 2026. The two-day summit was a major official initiative aimed at promoting regional economic growth and investment opportunities in Sri Lanka’s Northern Province. The Summit brought together representatives from the National and Provincial Governments, public and private sector organizations, members of the Sri Lankan diaspora, international agencies, and prospective investors, with a shared focus on fostering sustainable development in the Northern Province Several Cabinet Ministers also participated in the event, including  Hon. Sunil Handunneththi, Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar, Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources, Hon. Minister, Prof. Chrishantha Abeysena, Minister of Science and Technology, Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Minister of Justice and National Integration, along with other Ministers and senior officials. During the event, the Deputy High Commissioner, in his interaction with the media, highlighted the importance of innovation and youth-focused initiatives, stating his keen interest in facilitating the introduction of the Space Kidz Program in Sri Lanka and reaffirming the Mission’s readiness to extend all necessary support. The Deputy High Commissioner led a delegation from Southern India, which included Dr. Srimathy Kesan, Founder and CEO of Space Kidz  India, Mr. Anand N. Hosamani, Senior Accountant and Technology Strategist at Microsoft, Mr. Ganesh Gopalakrishnan, CEO of GeakMinds, Inc Aldie Virginia USA – a visionary AI leader, and Mr. Cecil Sundar, Director of Microsoft AI, who participated virtually, along with several other distinguished participants. In this connection, several investors participating in the Summit expressed strong interest and took initiatives to commence investments immediately, reflecting growing confidence in the development potential and investment climate of Sri Lanka’s Northern Province.

The Deputy High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to Southern India, Dr. Ganesanathan Geathiswaran, paid a courtesy call on Mr. Kamal Haasan, President of Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) and Member of Parliament, at the party’s head office in Chennai. The meeting highlighted the strong and enduring bilateral relations between India and Sri Lanka, underscoring mutual understanding, cooperation, and shared regional ties. Dr. Geathiswaran briefed Mr. Haasan on recent developments in Sri Lanka, and views were exchanged on matters of mutual interest.

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 Deputy High Commissioner of Sri Lanka for Southern India, Dr. Ganesanathan Geathiswaran, participated as the Chief Guest at the “Vanakkam Tamil Nadu” Programme and the Launch of the “Global Tamil Nadu House” Project, Washington D.C.–Chennai, held on 12 January 2026 in Chennai. Mr. S. M. Nasar, Hon’ble Minister for Minorities Welfare and Non-Resident Tamils Welfare, Government of Tamil Nadu, graced the occasion along with several other prominent dignitaries, officials, community leaders.

The Deputy High Commissioner of Sri Lanka in Chennai, Dr. Ganesanathan Geathiswaran, hosted a luncheon meeting today, 14 January 2026, in honour of Mr. John Joseph of 3J Medical Supplies Inc., USA, and Dr. V.R.S. Sampath—Advocate, Editor of Sattakadir, Founder Chairman of the World Tamils Economic Foundation, and President of the Madras Development Society

The Deputy High Commission of Sri Lanka for Southern India celebrated Thai Pongal with the participation of Mission staff on the morning of 14 January 2026 at the Chancery premises. The Chancery was decorated with traditional kolam designs, sugarcane, turmeric plants, and flowers, creating a festive and auspicious atmosphere.  All the sacred rituals were performed by Dr. Ganesanathan Geathiswaran, Deputy High Commissioner, together with his spouse, Mrs. Krithiga Devi. Thai Pongal is dedicated to Surya and is the most important day of the four-day harvest festival celebrated by Tamils across India. The festival symbolizes thanksgiving, prosperity, wealth, unity, and new beginnings. The main ritual of the day was the preparation of the traditional Pongal dish in a clay pot. As the milk boiled over, symbolizing abundance and prosperity, the gathering joyfully exclaimed “Pongalo Pongal,” expressing hopes for happiness, success, and good fortune. The freshly prepared Pongal was first offered to Surya, the Sun God, as a gesture of gratitude for nature’s blessings. Special prayers were conducted seeking prosperity, harmony, and well-being for Sri Lanka, the Mission, and all staff members and their families.

Dr. Ganesanathan Geathiswaran, Deputy High Commissioner of Sri Lanka for Southern India, along with his family, participated in the “Cultures of India – Namma Pongal” celebrations hosted by the 47th Area 2 RT Board and the 18th Area 2 LC Board in Chennai.