High Commission of Sri Lanka in India

HE Shalar Geldynazarov, Ambassador to Turkmenistan in New Delhi made a courtesy call on High Commissioner Austin Fernando on 19th February 2019.  Two dignitaries discussed on the potentials areas of expanding bilateral relations for the interest of both countries. Turkmenistan is accredited to Sri Lanka from New Delhi.

The vivid art & craft, music and dance, colorful ambiance, ethnic cuisines were on display at the annual Suraj Kund Mela which was inaugurated on 1st February 2019.   This International Mela showcased different cultural ethos of the rich regional and international crafts and traditions from 01st – 17th February 2019.  The Mela was inaugurated by Shri Devendra Fadnavis, Chief Minister, Maharashtra and Shri Manohar Lal, Chief Minister, Haryana in the august presence of Shri Ram Bilas Sharma, Tourism Minister, Haryana, Shri Jaykumar Rawal, Minister of Tourism & Employment Guarantee Scheme, Government of Maharahtra, H.E. Mr. Chutintorn Gongsakdi, Ambassador of Thailand in India, and HE Austin Fernando High Commissioner for Sri Lanka in India among the other Ambassadors from Tunisia, Zimbabwe and Georgia.  

This year Sri Lanka National Craft Council participated at the Mela showcasing their exquisite pieces of handicrafts. The Sri Lankan pavilion included the display of handicrafts by 10 Sri Lankan artisans and craftsmen ranging from batiks, coconut shelf and silver and semi-precious jewellery, traditional masks and batik wall hangings bringing kaleidoscope of creativity from Sri Lanka to this Mela.  

Former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga participated as the keynote speaker at the World Sustainable Development Summit 2019, New Delhi from 11th – 13th February 2019.

Former President made the keynote address on “A Vision for a Secure and Sustainable World For All”, at a Leadership Panel at the Summit.  The Summit 2019 was inaugurated by the Vice President of India Shri Venkaiah Naidu and the High Commissioner for Sri Lanka in India, Austin Fernando was also present at the inauguration of the Summit.

Fourth Prof. N.R. Madhava Menon SAARC LAW Mooting Competition, 2018-19, was held from 15th to 18th February 2019 at the Lloyds Law College in Greater Noida. High Commissioner Austin Fernando, Justice Priyantha Jayawardene, Judge, Supreme Court of Sri Lanka and Prof. (Dr.) V. T. Thamilmaran, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka participated representing Sri Lanka. This competition was aimed to inspire and encourage interaction and reciprocity of ideas among law students of SAARC countries for promotion of regional cooperation, mutual benefit in legal education and to broaden the horizon of legal studies.