Category Events

Sri Lanka Deputy High Commission in Chennai concludes a Reception Marking the 75th Independence Day of Sri Lanka

Marking the 75th Independence Day of Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, the Deputy High Commission of Sri Lanka in Chennai had organized a Reception on 10th February, 2023 at Rajindra Hall, Hotel ITC Grand Chola. Hon. M .U. M. Ali Sabry, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka participated in this event, as the Chief Guest and Hon. S. Rajakumar, Member of Legislative Assembly of Tamil Nadu for Mayiladuthurai Constituency, as the Guest of Honour. And both of them joined Dr. D. Venkateshwaran, the Deputy High Commissioner, in a toast wishing the goodwill for the Nation and People of Sri Lanka as well as for the bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and Southern India.

Heads of the Diplomatic Mission in Chennai, other Diplomats, Government officials, leading Business figures, members of Sri Lanka Friendship Association in Southern India, well-wishers and celebrities in Southern India participated in this event. At the event, a prominence was given to showcase Sri Lankan products as well as to promote Foreign Direct Investments from Southern India to Sri Lanka. Hence, a hamper of compliments containing some selected Sri Lankan products and promotional materials on Tourism Sri Lanka tea etc. were distributed among the participants. The event was concluded with a dinner comprised with Sri Lankan delicacies, with the objective of showcasing Sri Lankan food traditions.

75th Anniversary of Independence of Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka Deputy High Commission celebrated the 75th Anniversary of Independence of Sri Lanka on 04th February, 2023 at the Chancery premises. The event commenced with the hoisting of the national flag. National anthem was sung in Sinhala as well as Tamil language. Buddhist, Hindu, Christian and Islam religious observances were made during the event. The Sri Lankan community living in South India participated at the event.

Sri Lanka Deputy High Commission in Chennai Celebrates Thai Pongal

Pongal, the four days long harvesting festival is celebrated as a thanksgiving event to thank the Sun God (Surya), Lord Indra, mother nature and farm animals that help in the harvest. It is celebrated in the month of January (Thai) during the solar equinoxIt is widely celebrated in Tamil Nadu and by Tamil people across the globe, during which the Sun is worshipped as the source of life, allowing for the growth of good harvest that provides food, prosperity, wealth & happiness. The Deputy High Commission organised the Pongal celebration on January 13, 2023 (Friday) at the Chancery premises with boiling of milk in a clay pot, preparation of sweet Pongal and performed pooja to invoke happiness, prosperity in abundance for the people of Sri Lanka. Mission staff and their family members participated at the event.

Christmas Celebrations 2022

The Deputy High Commission of Sri Lanka for Southern India celebrated Christmas on December 16, 2022 at the Chancery premises. The Christmas message and the prayers were delivered by Rev. V. S. Vijayakumar. Mr. B. H. Abdul Hameed, world famous Tamil anchor was invited as a Special Guest by the Deputy High Commissioner Dr. D. Venkateshwaran. Lutheran Men’s Voice, an all male choir was invited as the Chief Guest for the event. The Mission invited teachers & students of C.S.I. Puthuir Special School in Chennai to share the joy of Christmas. Christmas Carols by invited students, Lutheran Men’s Voice, Mission staff and their family members were performed at the event.

Deepavali Celebrations -2022

Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is a festival celebrated throughout India and worldwide by Hindu communities as well as by Jain and Sikh communities. During this festival, homes, temples and work spaces are illuminated with oil lamps, candles and lanterns. Diwali is also marked with fireworks and the decoration of floors with Kolam designs. Food is a major focus with families partaking in feasts and sharing sweets (mithai). The festival is an annual bonding period not only for families, but also for communities and associations. Marking this, Deputy High Commission of Sri Lanka in Southern India had organized a Diwali Night on 28.10.2022 at the Chancery Premises. Staff and the family members of the Deputy High Commission, Bank of Ceylon, Srilankan Airlines in Chennai, Sri Lanka Friendship Association in Southern India, well-wishers, leading business figures and celibrities in Southern India participated this event. As this is the first public event organized by the Mission after the Covid-19 outbreak in Tamil Nadu, Dr. D. Venkateshwaran, the Deputy High Commissioner, delivered a brief account on the progress that Mission has achieved since 2021. Additionally, he accepted a donation of books from S. Ve. Shekher, a South Indian actor, director, screenwriter and politician. Cultural events were performed by the staff and family members of Deputy High Commission and Bank of Ceylon. Event concluded with a dinner which included Sri Lankan and South Indian delicacies.

Ayudha Pooja -2022

Ayudha Pooja is a Hindu festival that is traditionally celebrated in India. It may be translated to “worship of Instruments”. In this festival, various types of equipment and tools including vehicles are revered by the people. This Puja is considered a meaningful custom, which focuses specific attention to one’s profession and its related tools and connotes that a divine force is working behind it to perform well and for getting the proper reward. Saraswati (the Goddess of wisdom, arts and literature), Lakshmi (the goddess of wealth) and Parvati (the divine mother), are also being worshipped in this pooja. Marking a blend between Sri Lankan and Indian cultures, Sri Lanka Deputy High Commission in Chennai celebrated Ayudha Pooja on 07th October, 2022. In this Pooja, all vehicles and equipment used by the staff of the Deputy High Commission were revered.

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.

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

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

Deepavali Celebrations -2021

Sri Lanka Deputy High Commission celebrated Deepavali on 22nd October 2021 at the Chancery premises. Deepavali is widely celebrated all over Sri Lanka as well as India and is a festival that celebrates the triumph of good over evil. Deepavali is also known as the festival of lights. The entire Chancery premises were illuminated with colorful lights, glowing oil lamps, vibrant colours of rangoli and floral décor. Various cultural events depicting Sri Lankan as well as Indian arts forms were performed at the event by the Mission staff and their family members.

Deputy High Commission of Sri Lanka
Chennai

Sri Lanka Felicitates at Innovative International Film Festival, Bangalore – 2021

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 4th Edition of the Innovative International Film Festival (IIFF) which was held at JW Marriot Hotel & Innovative Multiplex theater in Bangalore from 14th to 17th 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 16th, 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

Sri Lanka Deputy High Commission celebrated “Ayudha Pooja”

Sri Lanka Deputy High Commission celebrated Ayudha Pooja today at the Mission premises. Divine blessings over the Mission and its staff were beseeched during this event.

73rd Independence Day of Sri Lanka

The Sri Lanka Deputy High Commission in Chennai celebrated the 73rd Anniversary of Independence of Sri Lanka on 04th February 2021.

This year, the prevailing Covid-19 restrictions prevented the Mission from inviting fellow Sri Lankans as well as the well-wishers of the Mission residing in Chennai. The Acting Deputy High Commissioner of Sri Lanka, Mr. K. Kiritharan, ceremonially hoisted the National Flag followed by singing of the National Anthem. The Mission staff and their families observed two minutes of silence honouring those who sacrificed their lives for the Motherland.

The proceedings began with the lighting of the traditional oil lamp after which pre-recorded multi-faith religious observances were screened. Blessings were imparted by Venerable Kalawane Mahanama Thero, Monk-in-Charge, Maha Bodhi Society, Chennai, Dr. T.S. Shanmugam Sivachariar Swamigal, Chief Priest & Administrator of Sri Kaligambal Kamateswarar Devasthanam, Rev. Fr. Dr. V. Ignatius SJ, Parish Priest, Fathima Church and Imam Dr. Salahuddin Mohammed Ayub, Chief Quazi, Royapettah Mosque.

Tri-lingual National Day Messages of the Honorable Prime Minister were read out by Mr. K. Kiritharan, Actg. Deputy High Commissioner, Ms. Thilina Jayawardena, Counsellor and Mr. Dilanga Hettiarachchi, Third Secretary (Commercial). The National Day message of the Hon. Foreign Minister of Sri Lanka was read by Ms. Neetha Chandrasena, Second Secretary.

Concluding the celebration, the promotional documentary jointly produced by the Foreign Ministry, President’s Media Division (PMD), Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation and Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau was screened.

Deputy High Commission of Sri Lanka
Chennai
04th February, 2021

Full Media Release – https://www.facebook.com/SLDHC.Chennai

72nd Anniversary of Independence of Sri Lanka on 04th February 2020

Sri Lanka Deputy High Commission in Chennai held its National Event commemorating the 72nd Anniversary of Independence of Sri Lanka on 04 th February 2020. The event commenced with the hoisting of the National Flag of Sri Lanka by the Deputy High Commissioner of Sri Lanka for Southern India Mr. V. Krishnamoorthy. A large number of Sri Lankans living in India attended the event. An evening reception was hosted for diplomats, government officials and dignitaries. Colourful dancing performances by the renown Channa-Upuli dancing troupe was a part of the event.