Category Press Release

Sri Lanka Deputy High Commission in Chennai accepts a medical donation

Sri Lanka Deputy High Commission accepted 1000 vials of IV Fluconazole on 13.06.2022, donated by a group of Sri Lankans living in Canada, United States and Australia. Funds for this donation has been raised through a private fundraiser event conducted in Canada. Considering the close proximity to Sri Lanka, funds have been transferred to Chennai, India, to buy the medicine and dispatch it to Sri Lanka. It is scheduled to be transported to Colombo via Srilankan Airlines and will be handed over to the Apeksha Hospital, Maharagama. In connection, Deputy High Commission expresses its gratitude for all the donors who contributed in this regard, Abans Facility Management India Pvt. Ltd, for assistance in coordination, Health Ministry – Sri Lanka for necessary clearances and Srilankan Airlines, Chennai Office, for undertaking the delivery of cargo to Colombo, free of charge.

Three Containers of essential items are shipped to Sri Lanka with the assistance of Rotary Club of Madras North & Amma Charitable Trust, Guntur

Sri Lanka Deputy High Commission (SLDHC) in Chennai, coordinated to load three shipping containers of essential food items from Chennai to Sri Lanka as a humanitarian assistance on 07.06.2022. In the event ‘Support Sri Lanka’ held at the Chancery Premises on 27.05.2022, Dr. D. Venkaeshwaran, the Deputy High Commissioner, requested Sri Lankan well-wishers to assist Sri Lanka in this critical juncture.

Accordingly, Amma Charitable Trust of Guntur, a non- profit organization, stepped forward to donate 100 MT of rice and Rotary Club of Madras North to donate four shipping containers of other essential items such as rice, dhal, wheat flour, sugar and milk powder. Today, three containers, including 50 MT of rice, were loaded and is scheduled to ship to Sri Lanka before next Monday while the rest of the consignment will be delivered within next two weeks. At Colombo, it will be handed over to the Food Commissioner, to distribute above items for suitable families throughout Sri Lanka.

In this regard, Deputy High Commission would like to thank Amma Charitable Trust of Guntur, members and affiliated entities of Rotary Club of Madras North for the kind donations as well as Triway Container Freight Station Pvt. Ltd, SAR Transport Systems Pvt. Ltd. and Smart Marine Services Pvt. Ltd. for handling the shipment to Colombo free-of-charge.

 

Special Consular Camp 23.05.2022

’10th Special Consular Camp organized by Deputy High Commission of Sri Lanka in Chennai, was held at the Chancery Premises on 23.05.2022. 178 Citizenship Certificates, 26 Birth Certificates and 9 RRP (Refugee Repatriation Program) Passports were issued for Sri Lankans living at Paramathy in Namakkal District, Pooluvapatty in Coimbatore District, Virupachi in Dindigul District, Valavanthankottai in Trichy District, Perumanallur, Kangeyam, Paruvai & Avinasi in Tiruppur district’

Support Sri Lanka

The Deputy High Commission of Sri Lanka in Chennai had organized a programme ‘Support Sri Lanka’ at the Chancery Premises on 27th May 2022 with the objective of securing the food and health safety of Sri Lanka thorough financial support and ensuring supply of essential commodities such as food medicines to Sri Lanka.

The programme, which was hosted for business dignitaries, social workers & Sri Lankan well-wishers, was chaired by Dr. D. Venkateshwaran, the Deputy High Commissioner. In his key note address, Deputy High Commissioner highlighted that, the present crisis faced by Sri Lanka is temporary and similar to the past we will overcome these setbacks and bounce back to normalcy. With the assistance of good neighbourhood in SAARC, and other friendly nations in the world, Sri Lanka will assure a speedy recovery. Deputy High Commissioner further mentioned the assurance given by Hon. Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India, on rendering all necessary support and aid to Sri Lanka.  He also thanked the Indian Government, the TN Government and the people of TN for extending humanitarian aid and support.

Several dignitaries participated the event, including Mr. Parasuraman of M. S. Swaminathan Research Foundation, Mr. Olivannan, the ex-Rotary Governor,  M. S. Madhivaanan, Industrialist, Mr. V. G. Santhosham, Industrialist, Mr. Veeramani Pharmaceutical company owner, Mr. Sudhakar Jayaraj, a Hotelier from Kodaikanal, Mr. Sriharan Balan, Chairman of Adventure tour operators Association of India, Dr. Muthukumar, Director of a Fertility clinic, and members of Vallalar Sabhai (Arutperunjothy, Vadalur) assured of extending all possible support and relief aid to Sri Lanka.

Further, the Deputy High Commissioner, while thanking the participants, expressed to the audience the nature of assistance that Sri Lanka expected under this current juncture, such as initiating new export oriented industries in Sri Lanka.  The country’s revenue depended on Tourism and Overseas employment. The Easter attacks and the subsequent Covid-19 pandemic dealt a huge blow to our economy. Many Sri Lankans lost their overseas jobs due to the pandemic. But Lanka is always referred to as ‘Kubera Bhumi’ (the land of wealth) in puranas and Sri Lanka’s economy is expected to roll back to normalcy soon.

Sri Lanka Deputy High Commission in Chennai Celebrates Vesak

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.

Dr. Venkateshwaran meets Dr. A. K. Padhee, IAS, Director, Country Relations, ICRISAT

International Crops Research Institute for Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) is an international organization which conducts agricultural research for rural development, headquartered in Patancheru (Hyderabad, Telangana,) with several regional centers and research stations in African Continent. It was founded in 1972 by a consortium of organizations convened by the Ford and the Rockefeller foundations and charter was signed by the FAO and the UNDP. Deputy High Commissioner met Dr. A. K. Padhee, IAS, Director, Country Relations of ICRISAT and discussed on possible collaborations on agriculture between Sri Lankan Stakeholders and ICRISAT.

https://www.icrisat.org/

 

DHC meets Mr. Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson and Joint Secretary [XP] of Ministry of External Affairs

Dr. D. Venkateshwaran, the Deputy High Commissioner, paid a visit to New Delhi from 29th March to 1st April, and met several Government officials and Business delegates. In this visit, Deputy High Commissioner met Mr. Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson and Joint Secretary [XP] of Ministry of External Affairs at the Spokesperson’s Office, MEA and discussions were focused on the cordial bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and India

Sri Lanka Deputy High Commission in Chennai steps forward to promote Palmyrah based Products

In the Northern part of Sri Lanka, palmyrah palm is referred as “Katpahatharu (celestial tree)” or “the tree of life” for its multifarious uses. It is identified that almost each part of the palm, right from the top to bottom (root), has an economic value (nearly 800) being immensely useful to the life of the local population, contributing in numerous ways not only to food and nutrition, shelter and fuel but also to income generating activities.

The Government of Sri Lanka has established The Palmyrah Development Board to diversify, promote, develop & conduct research related to Palmyrah products. It has been identified that the value added palmyrah products has a developing market in European and South East Asian Countries.

On 18th February, 2022, Sri Lanka Deputy High Commission in Chennai had organized a small tea ceremony at the chancery premises to introduce diversified and value-added Palmyra based Products to the business community in Southern India. Under the invitation of Deputy High Commissioner, Mr. Krishantha Pathiraja, Chairman, Palmyrah Development Board also participated the event.

Several diversified and value added palmyrah based products were introduced to the participants, whom expressed their interest to promote as well as to open few retail outlets palmyrah based products in Southern India. The event was concluded with a cup of delicious ‘Ceylon Tea’ served to the participants.

Discussion with UNHCR

Dr. D. Venkateshwaran, Deputy High Commissioner of Sri Lanka in Chennai and Ms. Prashanthi Krishnamoorthy, First Secretary met Mr. Oscar Mundiya, Chief of Mission, UNHCR – India and Mr. Satchithananda Valan Michael, Head of Field Office, UNHCR – Chennai, today at Chancery Premises, to discuss the updated situation of Sri Lankan Refugees in Southern India. Mr. Kiri Atri, Asst. External Relations Officer, UNHCR – New Delhi and Ms. Srividhya Mahesh, Senior. Admin Assistant, UNHCR – Chennai also presented at the meeting

Special Consular Camp 23.02.2022

Sri Lanka Deputy High Commission in Chennai has issued 208 Citizenship Certificates for Sri Lankans from Gummidipoondi and Puzhal in Tamil Nadu, at a special consular camps organized at the Chancery premises on 15th & 23rd February, 2022.

IMPA holds hands with Sri Lanka in Business & Investment Collaborations

International Mudaliar and Pillaimar Association (IMPA) is a non-profit, non-political organization based in Southern India which consists of more than 25000 members worldwide. IMPA constitutes of reputed business owners with a South Indian origin and highly involved in development of economy, education, health and agriculture in rural communities in Southern India. Under the invitation of Dr. D. Venkateshwaran, Deputy High Commissioner of Sri Lanka in Chennai, around 60 business owners including Chairman & senior officials of IMPA participated a seminar on ‘Investment and Business Opportunities in Sri Lanka’ held at the Chancery Premises on 18th February, 2022. In delivering the keynote speech, The Deputy High Commissioner emphasized the fact ‘why you should invest in Sri Lanka’. Presentation on ‘Avenues of investing Sri Lanka’ and ‘Sri Lanka – the way forward) were presented by Mr. Dilanga Hettiarachchi, Second Secretary (Commercial) and Mr. Supun Deshaprema, Second Secretary (Cultural & Political). The event was followed by a Q & A session and an interactive working lunch also, which earned several positive responses in investing and establishing new businesses in Sri Lanka, for sectors such as renewable energy, pharmaceutical products, handicrafts, textiles & IT/BPO etc.

Special Consular Camp-15.02.2022

A special consular camp was held at Sri Lanka Deputy High Commission in Chennai on 15th February, 2022. 83 birth certificates were issued in this camp and applications for 64 citizenship certificates were also accepted from Sri Lankans from Mandapam in Ramanathapuram and Puthupatty, Gopalpatty & Adiyanuthu in Dindigul.

Special Meeting between Tamil Nadu Fishermen & Hon. Douglas Devananda, Minister of Fisheries

As per the request of Hon. Douglas Devananda, Minister of Fisheries in Sri Lanka, a special virtual meeting with Tamil Nadu Fishermen was organized by the Deputy High Commission of Sri Lanka in Chennai. About 10 representatives from Fisheries Associations in several districts of Tamil Nadu participated in this meeting and expressed their concerns on disputes among the fishermen and the local authorities of both countries, prohibition of bottom trawling in the region, auctioning of Indian boats in Sri Lanka and limitation of number of pilgrims from Southern India for the Annual festival of St. Anthony’s Church at Katchatheevu. Replying them, Hon. Minister highlighted the importance of such a joint venture for a sustainable solution for the fisheries dispute between Sri Lanka & India. He stated that bottom trawling cannot be permitted to practice, as it is prohibited in Sri Lanka. While explaining about the auctioning of Indian Fishing Vessels in Sri Lanka he mentioned that in 2020, the Indian High Commission in Colombo has informed all Government Stakeholders and fisheries communities in Tamil Nadu to retrieve their boats. But due to lack of responses for that, Indian High Commission in Colombo has requested Sri Lankan Authorities organized the auction. Further he mentioned that number of Indian participants for Katchatheevu Festival is limited due to rising Covid-19 Pandemic situation and agreed to seek the possibility of increasing the number of participants. In his discussion Hon. Minister mentioned about the proposal that Sri Lanka has shared with Hon. Prime Minister and Hon. Foreign Minister of India on eliminating fisheries disputes between two Countries. But both parties were unable to pay a proper attention on that due to Covid-19 Pandemic situation which both parties got affected. Deputy High Commissioner Dr. D. Venkateshwaran and officials of the Sri Lanka Deputy High Commission in Chennai also participated the meeting.

Deputy High Commission of Sri Lanka

Chennai

08.02.2022

Sri Lanka Deputy High Commission in Chennai Celebrates the 74th Independence Day of Sri Lanka

Deputy High Commission of Sri Lanka in Chennai, celebrated 74th Independence day of Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka on 04th February, 2022 at the Chancery premises. Due to rising pandemic situation in Southern India, the Mission celebrated the Independence Day in a low key manner, only with the Mission staff and their family members. Prior to the official celebration, an almsgiving prepared by the Mission Staff was offered to Ven.  Buddawansalankara thero (Ven. Gauthama Mauriyar thero) of Rameshwaram. The official ceremony was inaugurated with the hoist of National flag at the Chancery premises by D. Venkateshwaran, the Deputy High Commissioner of Sri Lanka in Southern India. Hindu, Islamic and Catholic dignitaries from Tamil Nadu also participated the event along with their blessings. The felicitation messages from Hon. Prime Minister and Hon. Foreign Minister also conveyed to the audience at the event.

Deputy High Commission of Sri Lanka

Chennai
04.02.2022

Sri Lanka Deputy High Commission in Chennai Celebrates Thai Pongal

Pongal is a four days long festival, which celebrates to thank the Sun, Mother Nature and the various farm animals that help to contribute to a bountiful harvest. The festival falls every year in the month of January when crops such as rice, sugarcane, turmeric etc. are harvested. The second day of the celebration, known as ‘Thai Pongal’, is dedicated to the Hindu god ‘Surya’ (the Sun). It is widely celebrated in Southern India, thanking the ‘Surya’, and marking the prosperity, wealth & happiness. Marking the prosperity, wealth & happiness for Sri Lanka and all the staff of the Mission, the Deputy High Commission of Sri Lanka in Chennai, celebrated Thai Pongal in the morning of 12th January, 2022 at the Chancery premises. All the auspicious formalities were performed by Dr. D. Venkateshwaran, the Deputy High Commissioner and Mrs. Venkateshwaran, his Spouse, at this occasion. Mission staff and their family members were also participated at the event and was concluded with a reception with traditional South Indian delicacies.

Deputy High Commission of Sri Lanka
Chennai
13.12.2022

COMMENCEMENT OF WORK YEAR – 2022

The Sri Lanka Deputy High Commission, Chennai conducted the commencement programme on 03.01.2022. Accordingly, the programme commenced at 9,00 a.m. with hoisting of the National Flag in the presence of all staff members followed by singing of the National Anthem of Sri Lanka. Two minutes silence was observed to commemorate the war heroes and all others who sacrificed their lives on behalf of our motherland. After that, all staff members jointly read the ‘Oath/Affirmation of Public Servants’ in Sinhala, Tamil and English languages. In his speech, Dr. D. Venkateshwaran, Deputy High Commissioner, emphasized the importance working together as a team with honesty and compassion for Sri Lanka and its people who are living in Southern India. He further highlighted that the Mission functioned very well in 2021amidst all the challenges and expects the same in 2022 also, All participants were served with Sri Lankan delicacies and tea.

Sri Lanka Deputy High Commission in Chennai successfully concludes a Special Consular Camp

Sri Lanka Deputy High Commission in Chennai has organized a special consular camp on 29th & 30th December, 2021 at the chancery premises. In this special camp, 47 birth certificates and 20 citizenship certificates were issued for Sri Lankans from Kottapattu in Trichy, Thottanuthu in Dindigul and Boganallur in Tirunelveli. Previously, special consular camps have been regularly organized by the Sri Lanka Deputy High Commission in Chennai. Due to the COVID pandemic situation, it has been temporarily suspended in March 2020. But considering the enormous service extended to the Sri Lankan expatriate community living in Southern India via such camps, Mission has again initiated to organize these camps since October, 2021, adhering to all health & safety guidelines.

Deputy High Commission of Sri Lanka

Chennai
30.12.2021

Sri Lanka Deputy High Commission in Chennai Celebrates Christmas

Deputy High Commission of Sri Lanka in Chennai, with the message of peace, celebrated Christmas on 21st December 2021 at the Chancery premises. The message of god and the prayers were delivered by Rev. Manova Santhosham, Pastor and Chairman, Egmore Wesley Church and Rev. R. L. Richardson, Pastor and Presbyter, St. Mary’s Church at St. George Fort. Mission has invited teachers & students of C.S.I. Higher Secondary School for the Deaf in Chennai to share the joy of Christmas. As Christmas gifts, essential materials and equipment were donated to C.S.I. Higher Secondary School, with the financial assistance of the Mission Staff. Christmas Carols, dancing items by invited student, Mission staff and their family members were performed at the event and was concluded with a delicious dinner hosted by the Mission.

Deputy High Commission of Sri Lanka
Chennai
27.12.2021

On behalf of Government & People of Sri Lanka, Deputy High Commission of Sri Lanka in Chennai expresses its condolence to the Government & People of India, on the tragic demise of General Bipin Rawat, Chief of Defence Staff in India, and other officials. Sri Lanka may recall that General Rawat contributed to strengthen the existing bonds of friendship and military cooperation based on mutual interests and understanding between Sri Lanka and India. Sri Lanka also takes in to account that he visited Sri Lanka in 2018 as the Chief of the Army Staff in India to participate the inauguration of the Communication Laboratory at School of Signals in Kandy to train the officials of Sri Lanka Army Signal Corps. Further, Deputy High Commission of Sri Lanka in Chennai shares its deepest sympathies with all the family members of those who suffered from the above accident.