A British Sri Lankan teen has died after getting into difficulty in the sea at Camber Sands beach in East Sussex on Sunday evening, it was reported.

According to British media reports, Sussex Police confirmed that emergency services were called just before 7:00 pm BST to assist three people who had encountered trouble in the water.

An 18‑year‑old was pulled from the sea about 30 minutes later, but despite efforts by paramedics, he was pronounced dead shortly afterwards. His next of kin have been informed. 

Police initially reported the victim as a 24‑year‑old, but later clarified his age as 18. Two others, a 16‑year‑old boy and a 24‑year‑old man, managed to return safely to shore.

The three individuals, who were known to each other, had travelled to the beach from London. 

The coastguard, Pett Level lifeboat, and South East Coast Ambulance Service also responded to the incident. 

Sussex Police said inquiries remain ongoing, with an increased emergency presence in the area. 

The force added that there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death, which will be examined by a coroner. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka’s rich wildlife heritage, conservation efforts, and nature tourism potential were spotlighted at the Sri Lanka Wildlife Festival 2026, held in London from 14 to 16 July under the theme “One Island. Many Lenses.”

The festival opened with a vibrant exhibition of nearly 100 wildlife photographs captured across Sri Lanka, hosted at the High Commission of Sri Lanka in London. 

Jointly organised by the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau and the High Commission, the exhibition was inaugurated by High Commissioner Nimal Senadheera, with the participation of High Commission officials.

The three‑day event concluded with a wildlife forum on July 16, featuring a panel discussion with renowned wildlife photographers and naturalists who have extensively documented Sri Lanka’s biodiversity. 

More than 100 participants, including international wildlife enthusiasts and conservation stakeholders, attended the forum, which celebrated Sri Lanka’s extraordinary biodiversity and highlighted the country’s growing appeal as a destination for sustainable wildlife tourism.

The Wildlife Festival complemented Sri Lanka’s participation at the Global Bird Fair 2026 in Rutland, further strengthening the island’s position as a world‑class destination for wildlife, birdwatching, and nature‑based tourism. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka’s Deputy Minister of Education, Madhura Senevirathna, is participating in the Education World Forum 2026 in London, the world’s largest gathering of education and skills ministers.

According to the British High Commission in Colombo, supported by the British Council Sri Lanka, his participation underscores the strength of the UK–Sri Lanka education partnership.

The forum brings together ministers and policymakers to discuss future‑ready education systems, artificial intelligence, sustainability, skills development, and equitable access to quality learning. (Newswire)

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The High Commission of Sri Lanka in London has formally honoured the promotion of Brigadier B.D. Fernando USP Hdmc psc, Minister Counsellor (Defence) at the Mission, to the rank of Major General in the Sri Lanka Army.

Major General Fernando, who joined the Army in 1993, brings over three decades of distinguished service in operational command, defence leadership, and international peacekeeping. 

His career includes appointments as Brigade Commander and Centre Commandant of the Sri Lanka Signal Corps.

High Commissioner Nimal Senadheera felicitated Major General Fernando at a ceremony held at the High Commission on Monday (11), presenting the insignia in the presence of family, friends, and staff members.

The High Commission extended its warm congratulations, noting the significance of the milestone and wishing Major General Fernando continued success in his service to the nation. (Newswire)

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SriLankan Airlines has announced it will operate an additional flight between Colombo and London on Sunday, 8 March 2026, to assist passengers affected by cancellations caused by the situation in the Middle East.

Flight UL1205 will depart Colombo at 06:50 hrs on Sunday and arrive in London at 13:10 hrs. The return service, UL1206, will leave London at 15:05 hrs the same day and reach Colombo at 06:55 hrs the following morning (09).

The airline said it continues to monitor developments and is planning further flights on select routes to support passengers whose travel plans have been disrupted.

Passengers seeking more information can contact 1979 (within Sri Lanka), +94 11 777 1979 (international), WhatsApp +94 74 444 1979 (chat only), their travel agent, visit www.srilankan.com, or follow SriLankan Airlines on social media. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka Wildlife photographer Lakshitha Karunarathna’s photograph ‘Toxic Tip’ is among 100 award-winning photographs selected for the Wildlife Photographer of the Year, now in its 61st year at the Natural History Museum in London.

Lakshitha Karunarathna’s photograph depicting a solitary elephant navigating its way through a waste disposal site in Sri Lanka has been selected from a staggering and record-breaking 60,636 submissions made for the award. 

Lakshitha has been recording the conflict that arises between people and the roughly 7,500 elephants on the island. Unfortunately, this regularly includes those that forage for food among Sri Lanka’s open rubbish dumps.

“Here is an image chosen as one of just 100 award-winning photographs, selected from a staggering and record-breaking 60,636 submissions to the Wildlife Photographer of the Year now in its 61st year at the Natural History Museum, London — and I am deeply humbled that my photograph “Toxic Tip” is one of them,” the Sri Lankan Wildlife photographer said commenting on the recognition.

“With immense honour and pride, I share this work, placed among only 0.16% of all submissions chosen for this year’s awards, shining a light on the devastating consequences of erratic waste disposal and its catastrophic toll on Sri Lanka’s Elephants.

“Often called the Oscars of Wildlife Photography, #WPY has once again reminded the world that photography is not only art, but also a voice for the voiceless. I am truly grateful that Toxic Tip was selected for the official media release — already carried out today across countless print, broadcast, and digital media outlets reaching every corner of the world — giving this story a stage far beyond borders.

“Let us move towards a world where waste is managed responsibly, where sustainability is not a choice but a way of life. By protecting our Elephants, we safeguard not only a species, but also the spirit of nature that belongs to us all,” he added, in a statement on social media. (Newswire)

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Britain’s Heathrow Airport has completely shutdown and will be closed all day on Friday following a large fire at a nearby electrical substation knocked out power to one of the world’s busiest airports.

“To maintain the safety of our passengers and colleagues, Heathrow will be closed until 23h59 on 21 March,” Heathrow Airport said in a post on X, adding that “passengers are advised not to travel to the airport and should contact their airline for further information.”

Scores of flights were already being diverted to land at other airports.

According to flight tracking website FlightRadar24, at the time of the airport’s closure, “120 aircraft were in the air that will be diverting to alternate airports or returning to their origins.”

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The Sri Lanka High Commission in London, in collaboration with NLC Consultants-UK, hosted the “Sri Lanka Business Promotion Dialogue” on January 31, 2025, as part of a new initiative to support Sri Lankan startup SMEs in the UK.

Delivering the opening remarks, Minister (Commercial) of the High Commission, Somasena Mahadiulwewa elaborated on the goals to be achieved through a series of events which are to develop businesses of Sri Lankan entrepreneurs in the UK, including promoting and creating an international market for Sri Lankan origin products in the UK, and enhancing the related employability for Sri Lankans in the UK etc.

Minister (Commercial) Mahadiulwewa also mentioned that this is the 1^st event of this kind organised by the High Commission of Sri Lanka in London and it will continue to hold several similar events in other regions of the UK.

He also stated that following the series of events, a dedicated SME Entrepreneurs’ Hub is expected to be established at the High Commission, in line with the vision of the new government and under guidance of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, and the other related ministries in Sri Lanka.

During the event, Fellow Chartered Accountant and Managing Director of Sonic Builders in London, Ranganath Abeykoonge shared his business experience among the participants. Managing Director Abeykoonge who has working experience at many UK companies including at TK Maxx, delivered a presentation on the success story of his own company while encouraging, particularly young Sri Lankans to grab any business opportunities in the UK while creating new job opportunities for fellow Sri Lankans.

Past member of Sri Lanka AAT Council, Thilak Dharmarathne who is an MBA holder, and the Director of NLC Consultants-UK,  addressed the gathering and delivered a presentation on how to develop and penetrate into new business opportunities.

A panel discussion headed by Minister (Commercial) Mahadiulwewa was also held as part of the event. During the discussions, a panel of experts shared insights into several key areas:   Chartered Accountant, Nayana Kularathne on keeping company accounts and tax files etc.; Sri Lankan lawyer and the Director of  NLC Consultants – UK  Heshan Mathugamage  on company business startup; UK Solicitor, Mohamed Sameen on legal process related questions and HR Consultant, Kosaka Perera on the UK’s HR and employment policies etc.

Minister (Commercial) Mahadiulwewa also shared details on the duty free opportunities available for Sri Lankan exporters to enter the UK market under the UK’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS), a facility formally announced by the UK authorities on 19 June 2023.

He also outlined the UK’s regulations on the requirements of product labeling, food and other product standards for the benefit of potential participants. A brief list of the existing and potential export items from Sri Lanka to the UK and the details for investment and tourism related opportunities available in Sri Lanka were briefly presented by Minister (Commercial) Mahadiulwewa during the Q&A session.

This first interactive dialogue was attended by 30 potential Sri Lankan entrepreneurs in the UK. The dialogue was carried out in Sinhala, Tamil and English, and the next dialogue would be held in Manchester in April 2025. (Newswire)

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A Ceylon Tea Promotional Walk was held in London, United Kingdom recently (July 18), retracing the original tea trail from 1870 on foot, with a special focus on Ceylon Tea and its historical market in the UK.

According to the Sri Lankan High Commission in London, Sri Lankan High Commissioner Rohitha Bogollagama participated in the walking tour, led by the Managing Director of PMD Tea Ltd. Dananjaya Silva.

The route included notable landmarks such as Leadenhall Market as well as the historic building that once housed the East India Company; Mincing Lane, the site of the largest tea auction where almost all chests of Ceylon Tea would have been unloaded; and the River Thames. The tour also included a visit to St. Katherine’s Dock, once the largest tea dock and warehousing operation globally.

This event is the latest addition to the wide array of tea promotion activities that the High Commission has been engaging in, showcasing their continuous efforts to promote Ceylon Tea and strengthen cultural and economic ties between Sri Lanka and the United Kingdom. (Newswire)

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In the wake of posting a video on the Khalistan movement on social media, Harman Singh Kapoor, a Sikh restaurant owner from London, has been facing death threats. His restaurant was attacked by pro-Khalistan supporters, an incident that occurred just days after the Indian High Commission in London was vandalised.

Harman’s video, which garnered two million views in two days, led to abusive calls, social media trolling, and threats against him and his family. Harman claimed that the threats began after he posted a video on TikTok, in which he said “This Khalistan movement started a while back and then it died down. Today again, a section of people who are settled in Canada, in England and Australia want Khalistan but those in India don’t want it.”

Following the video, Harman alleged that he received death threats and his restaurant was attacked. The attackers demanded that he remove the video, raise pro-Khalistan slogans, and burn the Indian flag, or face death.

Harman said his wife and his daughter even received several rape threats. “Our address was put online with calls to rape and kill them. Videos of miscreants licking the pictures of my wife and daughter were posted as well,” he added.

An independent report, Bloom Review, released on April 26, documented similar cases of individuals being intimidated and threatened by aggressive Sikh activists. According to the report, politicians, public figures, academicians, and officials have been harassed and threatened by pro-Khalistan supporters.

Despite the police’s assurance of safety and special safeguarding measures, Harman and his family have continued to receive online threats. They have experienced three attacks, and the family does not feel safe, as the attackers remain at large.

Harman’s case raises questions about the effectiveness of law enforcement in addressing such threats and protecting citizens. The Bloom Review report recommended that the government uphold the right to hold beliefs and freedom of expression but impede the advance of subversive groups attempting to fracture majority Sikh communities and negatively impact societal stability.

As of now, no one has been charged in connection with Harman’s harassment or the vandalism of the Indian High Commission, and concerns about safety in the presence of law enforcement personnel remain. The Bloom Review report warned that without stern action, the situation could worsen, ultimately becoming a problem for the UK rather than India. (Khalsa Vox)

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Sri Lankan High Commissioner Saroja Sirisena was awarded the Diplomat of the Year from Asia & Oceania at the prestigious DIPLOMAT magazine annual Awards Ceremony 2023 at the Royal Over-Seas League on Monday (24).

The High Commission of Sri Lanka in London said in a statement that the Awards Ceremony recognises outstanding work and achievements of London’s diplomatic community who are trying to better their nations’ well-being and is in its thirteenth year.  

DIPLOMAT magazine identified 10 categories that recognise different levels of diplomacy, and winners were nominated by their fellow diplomats. 

Referring to London as the global centre for diplomacy, with over 180 diplomatic missions DIPLOMAT’s Editor, Venetia de Blocq van Kuffeler stated that a posting in London remains one of the highlights of any diplomat’s career. She added that the winners are testimony to their hard work, dedication and professionalism.

Saroja Sirisena previously served as Ambassador to Austria and Consul General in Mumbai as well as serving in Sri Lanka’s Missions in Paris, Brussels and Geneva.

The High Commission of Sri Lanka in London further stated that over 150 guests including Heads of Mission and diplomats from over 80 countries attended the Awards Ceremony. (NewsWire)

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Indian High Commission in London has responded with a bigger tricolour after pro-Khalistani activists pulled down India’s national flag on Sunday afternoon (local time). In a video widely shared on social media, an official at the Indian High Commission was seen rescuing the tricolour from a radical Sikh activist and throwing out Khalistani flag.

Officials from the mission said the “attempted but failed” attack had been foiled and that the tricolour was now flying “grander”, reported PTI. The official was lauded for confronting the separatist elements and throwing away a Khalistani flag from a protester who was seen hanging off the ledge of the first-floor window.

The tricolour flying atop the Indian High Commission in London was pulled down by a group of protesters waving separatist Khalistani flags and chanting pro-Khalistani slogans on Sunday, triggering outrage in India.

The external affairs ministry, meanwhile, summoned the senior-most UK diplomat in New Delhi late Sunday evening to convey India’s “strong protest” at the actions taken by separatist and extremist elements against the Indian High Commission in London.

“An explanation was demanded for the complete absence of the British security that allowed these elements to enter the High Commission premises. She was reminded in this regard of the basic obligations of the UK Government under the Vienna Convention,” the MEA statement said.

“India finds unacceptable the indifference of the UK government to the security of Indian diplomatic premises and personnel in the UK. It is expected that the UK Government would take immediate steps to identify, arrest and prosecute each one of those involved in today’s incident, and put in place stringent measures to prevent the recurrence of such incidents,” it said. (Hindustan Times)

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A Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion event has been organized inUnited Kingdom (UK) on Saturday, the 25th of February 2023 which will be headed by Sri Lanka Tourism Ambassador and former Sri Lanka cricketer Sanath Jayasuriya. 

It has been organized together with the Midlands Ceylonese and Brits Foundation, which was formed with the goal of supporting Sri Lanka through the collective effort of Sri Lankans and British communities in the UK. 

‘#SriLankaCan’ is a project led by the former cricketer to promote tourism in Sri Lanka and reinvigorate the Island nation’s growth plans. 

The event focuses on promoting Sri Lanka as the number 01 tourist destination in the world, gathering Sri Lankan entrepreneurs to support Sri Lanka in its rebuilding process, hosting events targeting niche areas on the island to reinvigorate the growth plans, and using the British communities to actively support Sri Lankan projects. (NewsWire)

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Sri Lanka’s 75th Anniversary of Independence celebrations which was organised by the High Commission of Sri Lanka in London on 8 February 2023 was graced by the Speaker of the House of Commons, The Right Sir Lindsay Hoyle MP, as the Chief Guest.

According to the Sri Lankan Embassy in London, Members of the Houses of Parliament, the Marshal of the Diplomatic Corps, Heads of Missions and members of the Diplomatic community, representatives of the British business community and friends and well-wishers were among the invitees to celebrate the special occasion.

The guests were treated to Sri Lankan cuisine and beverages, Ceylon ‘yara’ tea and Sri Lankan palmyrah products. The guests were also entertained by artists of Sri Lankan heritage who are cast members of West End theatre productions of ‘Hamilton’, ‘Juliet’ ‘Amelie’ and ‘Life of Pi’ Roshani Abbey and Nuwan Hugh Perera. The highlight of the evening was the Sri Lankan Airlines raffle draw and the winner, Lord J.D. Waverley took away two return tickets to Colombo.

The event, which was sponsored by BoardPac Ltd, De La Rue, Lion Beer, Elephant House beverages, Munchee Biscuits, Basilur Tea, Baraka, Silver Mill, Wichy Plantation, Jenvas Ltd, Palmyra Development Board, Traccular, Information and Communication Technology Agency (ICTA) and Sri Lankan Airlines, was used as a platform to promote Sri Lankan products, food and beverages as well as Sri Lanka tourism. (NewsWire)

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