Category Press Release

Exploring opportunities for strengthening its film industry in the international arena, Sri Lanka Deputy High Commission in Chennai together with Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, first-ever time organized a Sri Lankan film professionals` delegation at the 4^th Edition of the Innovative International Film Festival (IIFF) which was held at JW Marriot Hotel & Innovative Multiplex theater in Bangalore from 14^th to 17^th October 2021.

IIFF is one of the biggest and prestigious international film festivals in South India which is organized by the Innovative Film Academy in Bangalore for years which means to promote the film art and cultures of participating countries, creating a networking platform for the international film industry with co-production opportunities in different countries.

Commencing the Sri Lankan session at the event on 16^th, Dr. Venkateshwaran, the Deputy High Commissioner, given the impetus to the distinguished gathering, highlighted why Sri Lanka should be selected as their favorite film destination country. Followed by his remarks, the five-member Sri Lankan delegation, including Chaminda Munasinghe, Assistant Director, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, Shyaman Premasundara, Film Director, Frames TV & Films, Yasas Rathnayake, Managing Director, Circle 360, Priyanga Kumarasiri, Producer, Crew for Shoots and Chathra Dias Weeraman, Film Director, made a comprehensive presentation elaborating the history of shooting international films in Sri Lanka, Island`s scenery destinations, availability of sophisticated infrastructure facilities and concessions/sops given for the international filmmakers.

Moving to the networking session, Mr. Sarvana Prasad, Founder, and Ms. Upasana Mittal, Creative Director of Innovative Film Academy introduced the Sri Lankan delegation to the conversant cine & entertainment industry professionals who had attended the session and worthwhile discussions were taken place alluring more opportunities to Sri Lanka. Joining the Sri Lankan session Mr. Allu Aravind an eminent & illustrious film producer in Telugu cinema had a cordial interaction and upon the Deputy High Commissioner`s invitation to visit Sri Lanka, he expressed his desire to explore Sri Lanka for his upcoming creations.

The four-day festival concluded with a fascinated closing ceremony with the participation of diplomats, government officials, industry professionals, and participant countries` representations. During the Ceremony, the newest Sinhala Movie called “ AYU” which was directed by Chathra Dias Weeraman was awarded as the Best Asian film. IIFF`s 4th Edition was turned out by leading filmmakers, celebrities, directors, producers, film associations & diplomats from 30 heterogeneous countries, and 75 international movies from participant countries were screened in 45 languages. The Sri Lankan delegation was coordinated and arranged by Dilanga Hettiarachchi, Third Secretary (Commercial) of the Sri Lanka Deputy High Commission, and Chaminda Munasinghe, Assistant Director, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau.

Sri Lanka Deputy High Commission, Chennai

21.10.2021

Full Media Release – https://mfa.gov.lk/fm-upgrading-digitalization/

Upon the resumption of Sri Lanka tourism for Indian travellers, Sri Lanka Deputy High Commission in Chennai hosted two outbound tour operator delegations from Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) and Travel Agents Federation of India (TAFI) at Sri Lanka Deputy High Commission on 23^rd and 24^th September 2021 respectively. The objectives of arranging these delegations were to brand Sri Lanka again as the favourite travel destination of Indian tourists after a long break due to the pandemic restrictions and to solicit their views on uplifting Sri Lankan tourism.  Addressing delegations, the Deputy High Commissioner, Dr. Venkateshwaran, made the delegates aware of the way forward for Sri Lankan tourism under the new normal situation and emphasized Sri Lanka’s readiness to promote “Ramayanaya Yathra”, “Murugan Trail” and “Panchalingam Trail” to allure more Indian travellers to the island.

A comprehensive presentation was made by Mr. Nilina Pathirana, Manager, Sales, Sri Lankan Air Lines, Chennai office, highlighting the air connectivity from Colombo to south Indian destinations including Chennai, Bangalore, Trichy, Madurai, Cochin, Trivandrum, and Hyderabad. Furthermore, he emphasized the national carrier’s buy one, get one free offer, which is available to passengers until December 31st, 2021. TAAI delegation head, Mr. Karunakaran, Hon Secretary of TAAI Southern Region, appreciated the initiatives taken by the Deputy High Commission to make travellers aware of the opening up of Sri Lankan tourism to India. Furthermore, he suggested a few factors to be taken into consideration, which include changes to Sri Lankan Airlines’ flight schedules and enhancing sops provided to travellers.  

President of TAFI Southern region, Mr. Arul Lazaran emphasized the importance of Sri Lanka as a travel destination for Indian travel and tour operators, specially elaborated the importance of waving off taxes/levies on MICE tourism and destination wedding travellers. During the Q&A session, numerous questions were raised by the participants regarding the steps to be followed by the travellers upon arrival in Sri Lanka, the ongoing visa procedure, and carrying out PCR tests etc. These questions were successfully addressed by the DHC and the team. Moreover, Sri Lankan Airlines and the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau were suggested with a few proposals to be executed which would be more pragmatic to bolster the Sri Lankan tourism industry under the new normal situation. Taking the facts raised by the delegates into his consideration, DHC agreed to convey their suggestions to Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau and other line agencies in order to assure and furnish a safe and comfortable travel experience to Indian travellers.

Rounding off each interaction, Mr. Dilanga Hettiarachchi, Third Secretary (commercial), Sri Lanka Deputy High Commission, admired the impetus given by both TAAI and TAFI throughout the years and sought their keen support to promote and project Sri Lanka as Indian travellers’ favourite travel destination.

Both TAAI and TAFI are preeminent travel and tour operator associations in India, which have a substantial amount of island wide membership and play a vital role in India`s tourism industry.

Sri Lanka Deputy High Commission- Chennai

27^th September 2021

News Paper Article – https://www.ft.lk/…/SL-Deputy-High-Commission…/27-723742

The High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka Gopal Baglay called on the new Foreign Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris after his assumption of duties. Foreign Minister Peiris expressed appreciation and continuous support being provided by India for combatting the COVID-19 pandemic. Minister Peiris thanked the Government of India for supplying emergency consignments of liquid oxygen from east Indian ports, even by using Indian naval ships. The discussion also centred on enhancing religious tourism. Foreign Minister Peiris also appreciated the offer of US$ 15 million by the Government of India to preserve and promote Buddhist cultural sites in Sri Lanka and expressed interest in early implementation of the offer. Both sides also discussed on the possibility of the early convening of the Indo-Lanka Joint Commission, which was last convened in 2016. It was agreed that the six Working Groups under the Joint Commission, covering specific subject areas under education, science & technology, tourism, trade & investment, fisheries and the power sector, should meet at the earliest feasible opportunity. Matters relating to fisheries were also discussed and both sides agreed to search for a meaningful, pragmatic solution to the issues. Indian assistance to develop fisheries harbours in Sri Lanka was greatly appreciated.  The discussion also focused on the setting up of pharmaceutical manufacturing plants by India in Sri Lanka. Both parties highlighted the pivotal importance of relations between Sri Lanka and India which have stood the test of time as close neighbours and expressed satisfaction at the current level of cooperation and resolved to raise bilateral relations in multiple sectors to even higher levels.

 Foreign Ministry

Colombo

 23 August, 2021

Full Media Release: https://mfa.gov.lk/india-sl-fm/

The newly appointed Foreign Minister Prof. G.L Peiris assumed duties at the Ministry today (18 August, 2021) at a simple ceremony graced by outgoing Foreign Minister and the new Minister of Education Dinesh Gunawardena; State Minister of Regional Cooperation Tharaka Balasuriya; State Minister of Women and Child Development, Preschools & Primary Education, School Infrastructure & Education Services Piyal Nishantha De Silva;  Member of Parliament and General Secretary of Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna Sagara Kariyawasam; Foreign Secretary Admiral Prof. Jayanath Colombage and other officials. The Buddhist clergy led by the chief incumbent of the Bellanwila Rajamaha Viharaya Ven. Dr. Bellanwila Dhammaratana Nayaka Thero invoked blessings on the occasion.

Thereafter, both incoming Minister Prof. G.L Peiris and outgoing Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena met the senior staff of the Ministry. Addressing the occasion, Minister Prof. G.L Peiris stated that he was pleased to be back at the Ministry after six years. He commended the outgoing Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena for the leadership provided to the Foreign Ministry during the last two years and stated that in all activities of the Foreign Ministry, Minister Dinesh Gunawardena ensured that Sri Lanka’s inherent self-respect and dignity was not compromised.

State Minister of Regional Cooperation Tharaka Balasuriya and Foreign Secretary Admiral Prof. Jayanath Colombage welcomed the new Minister and stated that they looked forward to continue delivering on the mandate of the Foreign Ministry under his guidance. Both State Minister Balasuriya and Secretary Colombage thanked the outgoing Minister for his visionary leadership and guidance over the last two years.

Foreign Ministry

Colombo

18 August, 2021

Full Media Release at: https://mfa.gov.lk/fm-assumes-duties/

Full Media Release :  https://mfa.gov.lk/regional-consular/

Full Media Release : https://mfa.gov.lk/india-slfm/

As a continuation of his outreach to the leadership of the Southern States of India, Sri Lanka’s Deputy High Commissioner in Chennai, Dr.D.Venkateshwaran visited the State of Andhra Pradesh this week and had meetings with several dignitaries of the State at the political level. The Deputy High Commissioner called on the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh Shri Y.S.Jagan Mohan Reddy at his office in Vijayawada on 26^th July instant.  A young and dynamic politician from the YSR Congress Party of India and being the 17^th Chief Minister, Shri Jagan Mohan gave an overwhelming welcome to the Deputy High Commissioner of Sri Lanka for Southern India. They discussed on the ways to deepen the bilateral relationship between Andhra Pradesh and  Sri Lanka and as an initial effort Dr.Venkateshwaran invited a delegation headed by the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh to visit Sri Lanka. Also, Deputy High Commissioner requested Shri Jagan Mohan to support and facilitate the Sri Lanka’s greatest investment ‘Brandix Apparel City’ in Vishakhapatnam.

During the visit, the Deputy High Commissioner also called on the Governor of Andhra Pradesh Shri Biswabhusan Harichandan at his office at the Raj Bhavan in Vijayawada. Dr.Venkateshwaran discussed on the long standing relationship between Sri Lanka and Southern India. On the same day the Minister for Tourism, culture, Youth Advancement (Sports)  Shri Muttamsetti Srinivasa Rao had a courtesy call on Dr.Venkateshwaran and they exchanged views on sports and youth affairs between Andhra Pradesh and Government of Sri Lanka. Shri Srinivasa Rao explained about the Andhra’s big trail of Buddhism and invited Deputy High Commissioner to visit the Buddhist temple in their State and the Deputy High Commissioner also accepted the same. This discussion is very healthier to enhance the ties between Andhra and Sri Lanka on tourism, specifically for the inbound tourism related to Buddhist pilgrims from  Sri Lanka.

Deputy High Commission of Sri Lanka

Chennai

02^nd August 2021

Dr. D. Venkateshwaran, Deputy High Commissioner of Sri Lanka visited Brandix India Apparel City (BIAC) located at Atchutapuram near Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh on the invitation of Mr. Ashroff Omar, Group CEO of Brandix. The Deputy High Commissioner toured the Brandix Park while its Management team including Brandix India Country Head Mr. Neil Rosayro, Partner Mr. PC Doraswamy, Deputy Chief Operating Officer Mr. Saravanan Chandramouleeswaran and HR General Manager Mr. Uditha Weerabahu explained the process and functioning of the company. The Deputy High Commissioner termed the Brandix Park as exemplary and for being one of the largest Foreign Direct Investments in India by Sri Lanka.

The Deputy High Commissioner appreciated the world class infrastructure, state-of-the-art water and effluent treatment plants instituted to facilitate the textile and apparel manufacturing which complies with the international standards. He also appreciated the fabric, garment manufacturing and accessory manufacturing units for its organized assembly line production processes, design and quality of the finished products. He also appreciated Brandix for training and upskilling rural women workforce in manufacturing products for international brands and labels. During his visit to the operating units, the Deputy High Commissioner met some of the Brandix associates including expatriates from Sri Lanka and admired the way the Brandix Management has taken care of all the associates during the pandemic and advised the management to continue to take care of them in future too.

The Deputy High Commissioner was overwhelmed to learn that Brandix apart from being the largest textile park operational in the country was also the largest employer of women workforce with over 20,000 employees at a single location. The Deputy High Commissioner was amazed at the achievement of the Brandix Textile Park for its exports within a short period despite facing pandemic crisis and recession in the international market. He also enquired on the issues hindering the progress of the Park and assured of his fullest support in reaching the next level of success. The Deputy High Commissioner recommended the Management to further expand and develop integrated value chain in all segments.

Deputy High Commission of Sri Lanka

Chennai

28^th July 2021

The Deputy High Commissioner, Dr.D.Venkateshwaran visited the Puducherry (Union Territory of India) and the Karaikal Port last week and had a discussion with several dignitaries at various levels.

The Deputy High Commissioner called on the Chief Minister of Puducherry Shri N.Rangaswamy at his office on 02^nd July.  Being a senior politician from the All India N.R.Congress party and fourth time Chief Minister of Puducherry, Shri Rangaswamy warmly welcomed the Deputy High Commissioner of Sri Lanka for Southern India. The discussion was very diplomatic and on the ways to improve the bondage between Puducherry and Sri Lanka economically, culturally and on other aspects.

Dr.D.Venkateshwaran also called on the Lt.Governor of Puducherry Dr.Tamilisai Soundararajan at her office Raj Nivas. Additionally, she holds the portfolio as the Governor of Telangana. Dr.S.Tamilisai discussed about the extension of airport of Puducherry which can be easier way to travel to Sri Lanka in future. The Deputy High Commissioner extended her an invitation to visit Sri Lanka with a delegation team. Also, the Deputy High Commissioner had an online discussion with the Telangana bureaucrats and administrative officers organized by Dr.Tamilisai at her office.

As a conclusion, Deputy High Commissioner had a visit at the Karaikal Port which is a maritime gateway located near the Union Territory of Puducherry. Dr.Venkateshwaran met the Chief Operating Officer of Karaikal Port Private Limited, Capt.Vijay Nicodemus and discussed about the ferry services between Karaikal and Thalaimannar or Kankesanthurai. The Deputy High Commissioner had a port visit along with the relevant authorities.

Puducherry formerly called as Pondicherry is one of the famous tourist destinations in South India. Although it is a famous city in India, it is a French colony under the Central Government of India, New Delhi. The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Puducherry likes to visit the Deputy High Commissioner office in Chennai to explode their interest with Government of Sri Lanka.

Deputy High Commissioner of Sri Lanka 

Chennai, 

06^th July 2021

Full Media Release https://mfa.gov.lk/sl-submarine-cable/?fbclid=IwAR1DCY6TQr98k3E6CQ4aZDSnbdev4fCDBG_0EcLWHPZ6tKrzVKNCa1IN4GQ

In accordance to the vision on the of H.E. The President, on the direction of the usage of organic fertilizers, the Deputy High Commissioner Dr.D.Venkateshwaran visited one of the biggest organic fertilizer plants in Tamil Nadu – Kothari Sugar and Chemical Limited at Trichy on 25th June.

Kothari Sugars and Chemicals Limited is one of the earliest sugar factories in Tamil Nadu since 1961. In addition to sugar mill, this unit also has facilities for co-generation of power from bagasse, distillery unit to produce industrial alcohol i.e., anhydrous alcohol, extra neutral alcohol & rectified spirit from molasses and Bio-compost (Organic Manure) with press-mud and distillery effluent.

Dr.Venkateshwaran met the General Manager (Technical) Mr.V.Ramachandran and the Deputy General Manager (Distillery) Mr.S.Pushparaj. The usage of new technologies for different types of crops like tea, rubber, sugar and paddy were discussed. They took the Dr.Venkateshwaran to their plant and explained the process of preparation of organic fertilizer in detail.

DEPUTY HIGH COMMISSIONER OF SRI LANKA IN SOUTHERN INDIA  DR.D. VENKATESHWARAN ON A OFFICIAL VISIT TO KERALA

Continuing his outreach to the leadership of the Southern States of India, Sri Lanka’s Deputy High Commissioner in Chennai, Dr.D.Venkateshwaran visited the State of Kerala last week and had meetings with several dignitaries of the State at the political and business levels.
The Deputy High Commissioner called on the Chief Minister of Kerala Shri Pinarayi Vijayan at his office on 29th June instant. An experienced and versatile politician from the Communist Party of India and twice Chief Minister of Kerala, Shri Pinarayi Vijayan warmly received the Deputy High Commissioner of Sri Lanka for Southern India. Both of them shared their views with respect to the enhancement of the relationship between Kerala and Sri Lanka culturally, economically and in other aspects.

Dr.Venkateshwaran invited a delegation headed by the Chief Minister of Kerala to visit Sri Lanka and the invitation was accepted by the Chief Minister. In this regard, the official confirmation is expected soon from the Chief Minister’s office.

During the visit, the Deputy High Commissioner also called on the Governor of Kerala Shri Arif Mohammad Khan at his office at the Raj Bhavan in Trivandrum. Mr. Khan, an eminent and distinguished senior political personality discussed about the religious involvement of Shree Narayana Guru, the great holy Hindu Guru of Kerala and a social reformer and his historical trips to Sri Lanka twice.

On the same day Dr.Venkateshwaran met with the President of the Trivandrum Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TCCI) S.N. Raghuchandran Nair, Vice President B.Govindan, AND Secretary Abraham Thomas along with other office bearers and discussed on the enhancement of investment and trade opportunities. The meeting was held at the Muscat Hotel, Trivandrum. The Trade delegation agreed to visit the office of the Deputy High Commissioner in Chennai to finetune their investment proposals for Sri Lanka before visiting the Country. Concluding the visit, Deputy High Commissioner Venkateshwaran paid visit to the Santhigiri Ashram, a recognized Social and Scientific research organization by the Government of India. Dr.Venkateshwaran met with Swami Jannama and discussed on the various life skill activities carried out in the Ashram such as dairy farming, organic farming and meditation. Kerala, is the 8th largest State in India economy wise and also the State with the highest literacy rate in India. The State capital Thiruvananthapuram formerly known as Trivandrum is considered an Information Technology hub which contributes 55% of the State exports.

Deputy High Commissioner of Sri Lanka
Chennai,

06th July 2021

Deputy High Commissioner of Sri Lanka in Southern India Doraisamy Venkateshwaran visits Karnataka; seeks cooperation opportunities for Sri Lanka

In a bid to reaching out to the leadership of the States under his consular jurisdiction with a view to making official introductions and to seeking various cooperation opportunities for Sri Lanka, the newly appointed Deputy High Commissioner of Sri Lanka in Southern India Dr. Doraisamy Venkateshwaran visited the State of Karnataka last week and had a series of meetings with several State dignitaries at the highest political level.

Commencing his official engagements, the Deputy High Commissioner called on the Chief Minister of Karnataka Shri B.S. Yediyurappa at the latter’s office in Bengaluru on 16 June.

Chief Minister Yediyurappa, a senior member of the ruling Bhartiya Janata Party and the only person to become the Karnataka Chief Minister four times, warmly welcomed the new Deputy High Commissioner of Sri Lanka for Southern India. They exchanged views on a range of issues pertaining to the cooperation between the State of Karnataka and Sri Lanka, covering political, economic and cultural spheres. Dr. Venkateshwaran also invited the Chief Minister to visit Sri Lanka.

Later, they were joined by a group of representatives of the Karnataka Chamber of Commerce at the invitation of the Chief Minister to exchange views on the trade relations between Karnataka and Sri Lanka. The representatives of the Karnataka Chamber of Commerce undertook to visit the Deputy High Commission of Sri Lanka in Chennai to further discuss the ways and means of enhancing trade relations.

On the same day, Deputy High Commissioner Venkateshwaran also called on the Governor of the State of Karnataka Shri Vajubhai Vala at the Governor’s Office at Raj Bhavan in Bengaluru. The Deputy High Commissioner officially introduced himself to the Governor.

A politician with an illustrious career, Governor Vala had a long conversation with Deputy High Commissioner Venkateshwaran on the developments in Sri Lanka, and in particular on the Ramayana Trail. The Deputy High Commissioner spoke about the exchange of technologies relating to organic and sustainable industries between Karnataka and Sri Lanka.

The Governor of Karnataka expressed his desire to undertake a visit to Sri Lanka, and Deputy High Commissioner Venkateshwaran extended an invitation to Shri Vala to visit Sri Lanka at a mutually convenient time. The Governor also took the Sri Lankan envoy on a site visit of the historical Raj Bhavan building.

Later in the evening, Dr. Doraisamy Venkateshwaran paid an official courtesy call on the Leader of the Opposition of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly Shri Siddaramaiah at the latter’s official residence in Bengaluru. They exchanged views on science and technology, agriculture and animal husbandry sectors as Karnataka is strongest in them.

During the visit to the State of Karnataka, the Deputy High Commissioner of Sri Lanka in Southern India had meetings with MLA and former State Minister H. Halappa, Secretary to the Chief Minister Dr. S. Selvakumar and Additional Chief Secretary to the Government of Karnataka Dr. Rajkumar Khatri as well.

Situated in the south western region of India, the State of Karnataka is believed to be one of the most prosperous states in India. The economy of Karnataka is the fourth-largest of any Indian state and its capital Bengaluru is known as the Silicon Valley of Asia due to its flourishing Information Technology industry. A large number of Sri Lankan students are engaged in higher education at Karnataka universities in medical, arts and other disciplines.

Deputy High Commission of Sri Lanka

Chennai

23 June 2021