Sri Lanka High Commission in New Delhi

The Representative Office of Sri Lanka, then known as Ceylon, was established in New Delhi, India, in 1942. Sir D B Jayathilake was the first Representative of Ceylon to India.

Diplomatic relations between the two countries were established in 1948, after the independence of Sri Lanka and the Representative Office was re-established as a fully fledged High Commission.

One of the earliest signatories to a lease in perpetuity, the High Commission for Sri Lanka acquired its site on the north-western periphery of Chanakyapuri from the Government of India on the 17th of November, 1953, and is neighbour to the Embassies of Indonesia and China.

The foundation stone was laid by the world's first woman prime minister, Sirimavo Bandaranaike, during her symbolic inaugural voyage, to India, as head of government, in 1960. The High Commission, completed in the mid 1960s, is a white-washed ensemble consisting of a three-storied Chancery building, an adjoining double-storied High Commissioner's Residence and multi-unit officers' accommodation, set back from Kautilya Marg in 3.917 acres of meticulously maintained lawns. While contemporary in design, the buildings incorporate several historical Sri Lankan ornamental elements from the world heritage sites in Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya and Kandy.

In New Delhi, Sri Lanka has built the epitome of a diplomatic mission, uniting Chancery, Residence, and officers' accommodation in a group of buildings extolling the country's unique national identity, while highlighting its shared cultural heritage with India.

Contemporary lines blend seamlessly with ornate Sri Lankan motifs drawn from UNESCO sites like Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, and Kandy, evoking ancient grandeur. This unified complex exemplifies diplomatic excellence, celebrating Sri Lanka's distinct identity alongside its profound cultural bonds with India.

Office Address :

27, Kautilya Marg,
Chanakyapuri,
New Delhi 110021.

Office Telephone Numbers : +91 011 2301 0201 , +91 011 2301 0203

Fax No: +91 011 2379 3604

E-mail: slhc.newdelhi@mfa.gov.lk

Working Hours: Monday to Friday from 8.45 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.

Exterior view: The Chancery (right) is connected to the two-storied Residence (left) by a multi-windowed, enclosed elevated walkway.

Exterior view: The seldom-seen eastern façade of the Chancery features magnificent carved sandstone columns and a stone sun-shade screen by large glass panes. The columns are borrowed from building traditions of the 3rdcentury B.C. city, Anuradhapura. A parade of black elephant heads skirts the lower south side of the building.

An elegant double staircase gracefully descends from the upper level of the Residence to the impeccably manicured back lawns. This architectural highlight offers a seamless transition between indoor refinement and the serene beauty of the landscaped gardens.

The Entry Hall in the Residence: The double curved inner staircase forms the focal point of the 6-metre-high entrance hall. The orange-brown carpeting calls to mind the laterite soil seen in parts of Sri Lanka, and blends perfectly with the hardwood bannister.

A meticulously crafted replica of the iconic 5th-century Sigiriya frescoes graces the formal Dining Hall, evoking the timeless elegance of ancient Sri Lankan artistry. This exquisite artwork seamlessly bridges historical grandeur with contemporary sophistication, standing as a refined emblem of cultural heritage in diplomatic settings.

The grand formal reception room showcases elegant French windows and exquisite parquet flooring laid in a classic herringbone pattern. These refined features lend an air of timeless sophistication and architectural poise to the space.

Deputy High Commission of Sri Lanka in Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Sri Lanka Mission in Chennai is one of the older Missions dating back to 1957 and is also the Mission closest to Sri Lanka in geographical terms. The Office of the Deputy High Commissioner for Sri Lanka in Chennai was established in 1957, as the Passport and Information Office, under the supervision of the Sri Lanka High Commission in New Delhi. Since then, it has been elevated to the status of an Office of Assistant High Commissioner in 1959, and subsequently to that of Deputy High Commissioner in 1966. The Madras Mission plays an increasingly important role with respect to the Southern Indian States. It has responsibilities for the southern states of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Kerala and the Union Territory of Pondicherry.

The Deputy High Commission of Sri Lanka in Chennai is headed by Dr. Ganesanathan Geathiswaran, Deputy High Commissioner, and contact details are as follows;

Office Address :

Deputy High Commission of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
56, Sterling Road,
Nungambakkam,
Chennai 600 034.
India

Office Telephone Numbers : 0091 44 28241896 , 0091 44 28252612

Fax Numbers : 0091 44 28241894 , 0091 44 28254242

E-mail: sldhc.chennai@mfa.gov.lk

Web: https://www.sldhcchennai.org/

Office working days and working hours Monday to Friday 9.00a.m to 5.15p.m