Sri Lanka denies plan to replace Chennai envoy

Jaffna Monitor has reported that Sri Lanka has decided to replace Dr Ganesanathan Geathiswaran as deputy high commissioner in Chennai after losing confidence in his conduct. The outlet quoted unnamed government sources saying Geathiswaran failed to grasp the political gravity of the assignment, mixed with film stars and celebrities, and blurred lines between diplomacy and private interests. However, a Sri Lankan foreign ministry spokesperson told Jaffna Monitor there was 'no such development whatsoever' regarding his removal.

Geathiswaran, a Tamil and non-career diplomat close to President Anura Dissanayake, was appointed in August 2025. He faced criticism earlier this year for attending a gathering with politicians in Puducherry, which the Congress party called a violation of the Vienna Convention. Geathiswaran denied the charge, saying he was not in India to do politics. The Jaffna Monitor stands by its story.

The Chennai mission covers five southern states and is considered sensitive due to Tamil Nadu's political dynamics and issues like refugee return and investments. Former foreign ministers M U M Ali Sabry and G L Peiris said a career diplomat would be ideal, but political elements may be unavoidable. No official action has been announced yet.