Category Press Release

Dr. Doraisamy Venkateshwaran assumed duties as the Deputy High Commissioner

Dr. Doraisamy Venkateshwaran who assumed duties on 12th April 2021 chaired his first staff meeting at 9.00 a.m. as the Deputy High Commissioner of the Mission.

I warmly welcome all members of the staff of the Sri Lanka Deputy High Commission in Chennai. I thank H.E. the President, Hon. Prime Minister, Hon. Foreign Minister and the Foreign Secretary for with much confidence on me, appointing me for this important post. Sri Lanka and South India are much connected through political, cultural, religious and economic links. Therefore, the role of the Deputy High Commissioner in Southern India is vital in strengthening Sri Lanka – India bilateral ties.

The Government of Sri Lanka has embarked on a mission in enhancing diplomatic ties between nations and expects actions from this Mission related to the following 5 areas:

  • Political Diplomacy
  • Economical Diplomacy
  • Consular Services
  • Cultural and Religious Relations
  • Science and Technology

Before my arrival in Chennai, I discussed prospective matters with senior politicians and government officials regarding bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and Southern India. We have to work as a team with commitment to achieve our goals. Therefore, I require all your support for the smooth functioning of the Mission.

We need to progress day by day and that is what the Government expects from us. It is important that I report on quarterly basis to the political hierarchy in Colombo regarding our progress.

I met Ven. Thiniyawala Palitha Thero and discussed regarding reopening of the Maha Bodhi Center in Chennai which is currently closed due to the pandemic to provide facilities to travelling pilgrims.

I commend the excellent performance of Mr. Kiritharan when he guided the Mission so well during tough times as the Head of Mission.

Therefore, lets work in unison as a team to perform the best for the betterment of our country and our people.

The newly appointed Deputy High Commissioner of Sri Lanka

The newly appointed Deputy High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to Southern India Dr. D. Venkateshwaran assumed duties today (12 April 2021) at the Mission.

Media Release

The Sri Lanka Deputy High Commission is in the process of compiling details of Sri Lankan students in South India and working on ensuring their safety and welfare. There are around 600 Sri Lankan students all over India dispersed throughout various States. Out of this, in Southern India alone 191 students have registered themselves at this Mission. Details are as follows:

Tamil Nadu 62
Telangana 09
Kerala 04
Andhra Pradesh 04
Karnataka 112

The Sri Lanka Deputy High Commission is in touch with the students and respective institutions to ensure their welfare and has advised all students to keep indoors and remain safe by abiding all precautionary measures. This Mission constantly monitors their situation and is committed to assist and ensure the safety and welfare of the students.

Further, the Ministry of Foreign Relations of Sri Lanka launched “Contact Sri Lanka” a web portal welcoming Sri Lankans living abroad to voluntarily register at www.contactsrilanka.mfa.gov.lk. Registering online in the web portal will allow the Ministry of Foreign Relations to reach out during emergencies such as the COVID 19 outbreak. This portal will connect Overseas Sri Lankans with stakeholders in Sri Lanka and network of Sri Lanka Missions aboard. A dedicated team of officials have already been assigned by the Ministry of Foreign Relations to respond to quarries of Overseas Sri Lankans and also to act as an online help desk during emergencies.

Registration by country will also allow the Ministry of Foreign Relations to propose concrete policy decisions to critical response situations such as evacuation etc., depending on the number of emergency assistance, requests generated. Therefore, Sri Lankans living abroad are invited to benefit from this portal.

Sri Lanka Deputy High Commission
Chennai

27th March, 2020

Limitation of Consular Services

The Sri Lanka Deputy High Commission in Chennai will offer limited Consular Services from 24 March 2020 until further notice taking into account the global circumstances associated with COVID – 19.

Accordingly, for the following emergency Consular services kindly contact the 24/7 hotline:
1. Issuance of Emergency Travel Document for Sri Lankan citizens
2. Issuance of Certifications related to death of Sri Lankan national
3. Any other emergency services considered necessary
4. Urgent inquiries regarding COVID – 19 pandemic

Hot Line: 8939594463 and 9789919905
Email: sldhc.chennai@mfa.gov.lk

Sri Lanka Deputy High Commission
Chennai
23.03.2020