Category Press Release

Mr. Thanga Prabu, President of Tamilnadu Tiruvalluvar Mandram  an organization dedicated to promoting Tamil culture, literature, values, and social unity, inspired by the teachings of Thiruvalluvar paid a courtesy call on the Deputy High Commissioner of Sri Lanka for Southern India, Dr. Ganesanathan Geathiswaran, in Chennai on 1^st January 2026.

The Deputy High Commissioner of Sri Lanka for Southern India, Dr. Ganesanathan Geathiswaran, participated in the civic reception followed by a banquet hosted by Mr. R. N. Ravi, Hon’ble Governor of Tamil Nadu, in honour of the Hon. C. P. Radhakrishnan, Vice-President of India. The event was held at Bharathiar Mandapam, Lok Bhavan, Chennai, on 02 January 2026, marking the maiden visit of the Vice-President to the State capital after assuming office.   During the event, the Deputy High Commissioner held fruitful discussions with the Hon. C. P. Radhakrishnan, Vice-President of India, on strengthening Sri Lanka–India cooperation, particularly in the fields of education, industry, and healthcare.

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

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The Deputy High Commission of Sri Lanka for Southern India has successfully dispatched three containers (comprising two 40-foot containers and one 20-foot container) of flood relief items from Chennai Port to Sri Lanka, comprising generous donations received from well-wishers and Sri Lankans residing in Southern India towards the Sri Lanka Flood Relief Fund, in support of the people of Sri Lanka affected by Cyclone Ditwah.  The relief materials include essential items such as dhal, sugar, milk powder, clothing, and other life-support supplies, intended to address the immediate humanitarian needs of the affected communities.

The Deputy High Commission of Sri Lanka for Southern India extends its heartfelt gratitude to Tamil Nadu Haj Organisers Association, Tamil Nadu, for their generous financial contributions towards the Sri Lanka Flood Relief Fund. Your support during this critical time is deeply appreciated.

Dr. Ganesanathan Geathiswaran, Deputy High Commissioner of Sri Lanka, met Padma Bhushan Superstar Mr. Rajinikanth, the world-renowned South Indian actor, at his residence on 21 December 2025. During the meeting, the Deputy High Commissioner personally invited Mr. Rajinikanth to visit Sri Lanka and explore the ‘Ramayana Trail’, which is exclusive to Sri Lanka, as well as other unique and sacred Buddhist heritage sites in the country.

The Deputy High Commission of Sri Lanka for Southern India extends its heartfelt gratitude to the Sri Lankan Friendship Association of South India and its members, for their generous donation of flood relief items towards the Sri Lanka Flood Relief Fund. Your support during this critical time is deeply appreciated.

The Deputy High Commission of Sri Lanka for Southern India extends its heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Mohammed Yunus Kazi, eBMS Solutions Pvt Ltd, and Mr. J Ameer Iqbal and Friends, Chennai for their generous donation of flood relief items towards the Sri Lanka Flood Relief Fund. Your support during this critical time is deeply appreciated.

The Deputy High Commission of Sri Lanka for Southern India extends its heartfelt gratitude to Kumbakonam Islamic Social Welfare Association (KISWA), Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu, for their generous financial contributions towards the Sri Lanka Flood Relief Fund. Your support during this critical time is deeply appreciated.

The Deputy High Commissioner of Sri Lanka for Southern India, Dr. Ganesanathan Geathiswaran, facilitated a courtesy call between Mr. R. Sarath Kumar, Former Member of Parliament, Former Member of Legislative Assembly of Tenkasi Constituency and Mr. Karate R. Thiagarajan, State Secretary of Tamil Nadu BJP and Former Mayor of Chennai City, with the Hon. Deputy Minister for Plantation and Community Infrastructure of Sri Lanka, Mr. Sundaralingam Pradeep, in Chennai on 21st December 2025. During the meeting, discussions focused on further strengthening the long-standing and cordial relations between Sri Lanka and Tamil Nadu. In particular, views were exchanged on enhancing cooperation in areas such as trade relations and cultural exchanges.

The Deputy High Commissioner of Sri Lanka for Southern India, Dr. Ganesanathan Geathiswaran, facilitated a courtesy call between Mr. Palanivel Thiaga Rajan, Minister for Information Technology and Digital Services of Tamil Nadu, and the Hon. Deputy Minister for Plantation and Community Infrastructure of Sri Lanka, Mr. Sundaralingam Pradeep, in Chennai on 19 December 2025. During the meeting, discussions focused on further strengthen cooperation between Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka, particularly in the areas of information technology and digital infrastructure. The dignitaries also exchanged views on Sri Lanka’s economic developments and explored potential avenues for collaboration to support infrastructure and technology initiatives.

The Deputy High Commissioner of Sri Lanka for Southern India, Dr. Ganesanathan Geathiswaran, facilitated a courtesy call between Mr. Edappadi K. Palaniswami, former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu and General Secretary of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), and the Hon. Deputy Minister for Plantation and Community Infrastructure of Sri Lanka, Mr. Sundaralingam Pradeep, in Chennai on 19 December 2025. During the meeting, views were exchanged on the current situation in Sri Lanka. The Hon. Deputy Minister also extended an invitation to Mr. Palaniswami to visit Sri Lanka at a time  convenient to him.

The Deputy High Commissioner of Sri Lanka for Southern India, Dr. Ganesanathan  Geathiswaran, facilitated a meeting between the Hon. Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Mr.  M.K. Stalin, and the Hon. Deputy Minister for Plantation and Community Infrastructure of  Sri Lanka, Mr. Sundaralingam Pradeep, in Chennai. The meeting was held as a courtesy call by the Hon. Deputy Minister, during which he conveyed appreciation to the Government of Tamil Nadu for its continued support and humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka, particularly the relief assistance of 950 metric tonnes  provided in response to Cyclone Ditwah.     During the meeting, discussions also focused on further strengthening cooperation between  Sri Lanka and Tamil Nadu, with emphasis on exploring collaboration in the field of  education. In this regard, the possibility of extending scholarship opportunities and enhancing  access to higher education for students from Sri Lanka was discussed with the Hon. Chief  Minister.