Category Ministry Press Releases

Mr. Ganesh Kannan of Team Bison and Mr. Ramanujar Moulana of Cycling Yogis met the Deputy High Commissioner of Sri Lanka, Dr. Ganesanathan Geathiswaran, on 30 April 2026. Established in 2012, Cycling Yogis has been actively organizing heritage cycling tours across Tamil Nadu and Southeast Asia, while publishing works that highlight Chennai’s historical and cultural connections. Following their Ponniyin Selvan Trail in Tamil Nadu (2023), the group extended the trail to Sri Lanka, covering Anuradhapura, Sigiriya, Dambulla, and Polonnaruwa, and developed a handbook documenting the journey. During the meeting, the Ponniyin Selvan Sri Lanka Trail E-Book was formally launched by the Deputy High Commissioner of Sri Lanka, marking the 14th Anniversary of Cycling Yogis. Discussions also highlighted the Chennai Cyclists International Tour to Jaffna, scheduled from 1 to 4 May 2026, aimed at promoting cultural exchange, heritage, and goodwill through cycling.

Dr. A. Sivathanu Pillai, a distinguished scientist with extensive experience in the field of space and defence technology, met the Deputy High Commissioner of Sri Lanka in Chennai, Dr. Ganesanathan Geathiswaran on 28.04.2026. Dr. Pillai has held several key leadership positions, including as the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of BrahMos Aerospace, and has served in senior capacities at the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). With over 50 years of experience, he has worked under eminent leaders such as Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, Prof. Satish Dhawan and Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam made him a technology leader in the field of Satellite launch Vehicle, Guided Missiles, and Aerospace Systems and also in Systems Engineering and Program Management. In recognition of his outstanding contributions, Dr. Pillai has been honoured with the Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan by the Government of India. During the meeting, Dr. Pillai expressed his keen interest in supporting Sri Lanka in advancing its capabilities in space-related programmes, reflecting the potential for enhanced cooperation in science and technology between Sri Lanka and India.

Mr. Ashane Fernando, Cluster Assistant Director of Sales, Sri Lanka, and Mr. Ashok Kumar, Cluster Sales Manager of Minor Hotels, paid a courtesy call on the Deputy High Commissioner of Sri Lanka, Dr. Ganesanathan Geathiswaran on 28^th April 2026. During the meeting, discussions focused on strengthening tourism cooperation and enhancing travel and hospitality linkages between Sri Lanka and India.

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Message of the Hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism on the occasion of the Sinhala and Tamil New Year

Message of the Hon. Prime Minister on the occasion of the Sinhala and Tamil New Year

The Message of H.E. the President, on the occasion of the Sinhala and Tamil New Year

Dr. Ganesanathan Geathiswaran, Deputy High Commissioner of Sri Lanka participated at the 55th Anniversary of Independence and National Day of Bangladesh organized by the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission in Chennai on March 26, 2026 at ITC Grand Chola, Chennai. The event was attended by Diplomatic Corps, Bureaucrats, Businessmen and other distinguished fraternity.

Deputy High Commissioner of Sri Lanka Dr. Ganesanathan Geathiswaran was invited as the Chief Guest to flag off the first ever cross country cycling expedition “Sail and Ride – Tour of Jaffna” by Team Bison on 02.04.2026 at Nagapattinam. Mr. Ganesh Kannan, Captain of Team Bison was joined by 40 cycling enthusiasts who are also business tycoons, entrepreneurs and doctors, left Nagapattinam port by ferry to Jaffna to continue their cycling quest across Sri Lanka covering 225 kms.  One of the cyclist, Mr. Srinath Rajam, Director-TVS Mobility Group expressed his interest in setting up a Tyre Factory in Jaffna. In the spirit of Religious Diplomacy, Deputy High Commissioner of Sri Lanka, Dr. Ganesanathan Geathiswaran, paid his respects at the Shrine Basilica of Our Lady of Health in Velankanni and the Hazrat Syed Shahul Hameed Dargah in Nagore. The Deputy High Commissioner offered prayers at both sites to further enhance diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and South India. The Deputy High Commissioner held discussions with the Rector, Very Rev. Fr. C. Irudhayaraj, Velankanni Shrine. The Rector requested improved infrastructure for Indian pilgrims attending the Kachchatheevu festival, specifically requesting more temporary shelters and sanitation facilities to accommodate the growing number of Indian devotees visiting Kachchatheevu. The Deputy High Commissioner met Syed Mohaned Khazi Hussain Sahib, Managing Trustee of Nagore Dargah.

Deputy High Commissioner of Sri Lanka Dr. Ganesanathan Geathiswaran was invited as the Chief Guest to flag off the first ever cross country cycling expedition “Sail and Ride – Tour of Jaffna” by Team Bison on 02.04.2026 at Nagapattinam. Mr. Ganesh Kannan, Captain of Team Bison was joined by 40 cycling enthusiasts who are also business tycoons, entrepreneurs and doctors, left Nagapattinam port by ferry to Jaffna to continue their cycling quest across Sri Lanka covering 225 kms.  One of the cyclist, Mr. Srinath Rajam, Director-TVS Mobility Group expressed his interest in setting up a Tyre Factory in Jaffna.

The Deputy High Commissioner of Sri Lanka in Chennai attended the Annual Concert of Velammal Global Schools, Puzhal & Mambakkam as the Chief Guest on 24 March 2026. The event, themed “Disney Around the World – The Quest for the Magic Compass,” featured a vibrant display of creativity and cultural expression by students, reflecting the schools’ commitment to academic excellence and holistic development. In his address, the Deputy High Commissioner encouraged students to pursue their aspirations with curiosity and confidence, emphasizing the importance of perseverance, values, and responsible innovation in shaping future global citizens. He also commended the dedication of the teachers and acknowledged the vital role of parents in nurturing young minds, while appreciating the efforts of the organizers in presenting a well-coordinated and engaging programme.

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Mr. Ganesh Kannan of Team Bison called on the Deputy High Commissioner of Sri Lanka in Chennai, Dr. Ganesanathan Geathiswaran, on 24th March 2026, in connection with the forthcoming “Sail & Ride – Tour of Jaffna,” scheduled to be held from 2nd to 5th April 2026. The initiative will bring a delegation of 40 Indian cyclists to Jaffna, conveying the important messages of “Cycle for Health” and “Say No to Drugs,” while further strengthening people-to-people ties between Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka. This cross-border cycling initiative promotes health and wellness tourism by promoting active lifestyles and sustainable travel. It also provides an opportunity to showcase the rich cultural heritage, scenic landscapes, and hospitality of Northern Sri Lanka, positioning Jaffna as a promising destination for eco-friendly and fitness-oriented tourism. A key highlight of the initiative is the first-ever India–Sri Lanka cross-border cycling expedition, utilizing the ferry service from Nagapattinam to Jaffna. Over the course of four days, participants are expected to cover approximately 200 km, visiting key cultural and historical landmarks including Jaffna Fort, Nallur Temple, and the Jaffna Public Library. During the meeting, the official event jersey was ceremonially launched by the Deputy High Commissioner.