The Sri Lanka High Commission in London, in partnership with the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) and the British Guild of Travel Writers (BGTW), proudly hosted a vibrant tourism promotion event on 25 September 2025.
The evening celebrated the experiences of 34 British travel writers who explored Sri Lanka earlier this year through SLTPB’s curated themes of Heritage & Culture, Nature & Adventure, and Wellness & Community. Their stories and perspectives showcased the island’s diversity and authentic charm.
High Commissioner Nimal Senadheera highlighted the vital role of tourism in uplifting communities across Sri Lanka, connecting farmers, villagers, and artisans to the global travel economy.
Guests enjoyed inspiring stories, a highlight reel on Sri Lankan food and culture, and a traditional Sri Lankan dinner, a true taste of our island’s world-renowned hospitality.
Together with SLTPB, we continue to strengthen Sri Lanka’s image as a must-visit destination, connecting travellers with the richness of our people, landscapes, and traditions.
Morgan Ortagus, US deputy special envoy to the Middle East, speaks during United Nations Security Council on 18 September 2025 in New York City.
The US says the resolution does not go far enough in condemning Hamas
The US has for the sixth time vetoed a draft resolution at the United Nations Security Council that would have demanded an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages.
US deputy Middle East envoy Morgan Ortagus said the text did not go far enough in condemning Hamas or recognise Israel’s right to defend itself.
All 14 other members of the Security Council voted in favour of the draft resolution – which described the humanitarian situation in Gaza as “catastrophic” and called on Israel to lift all aid restrictions.
It comes as the UN’s humanitarian office warns that the last lifelines for civilians are collapsing in Gaza City as Israel expands its military offensive.
‘Cataclysmic’ situation in Gaza City, UN official says, as Israeli tanks advance
The frantic race to save historic treasures from Israeli bombs
On the global stage, Israel and its closest ally look increasingly isolated.
Speaking prior to the vote, Ortagus said Washington’s opposition to the resolution should “come as no surprise”.
“It fails to condemn Hamas or recognise Israel’s right to defend itself, and it wrongly legitimises the false narratives benefitting Hamas, which have sadly found currency in this council,” she said.
After the vote, UN members reacted swiftly to express their disappointment.
Palestinian Ambassador to the UN Riyad Mansour called the US’s decision “deeply regrettable and painful”, saying it had prevented the Security Council from “playing its rightful role in the face of these atrocities”.
Pakistan’s ambassador Asim Ahmad described the veto as “a dark moment in this chamber”.
“The world is watching. The cries of children should pierce our hearts,” he said.
Amar Bendjama, Algeria’s ambassador, apologised to the Palestinian people.
“Palestinian brothers, Palestinian sisters, forgive us,” he said.
“Forgive us, because the world speaks of rights, but denies them to Palestinians. Forgive us because our efforts, our sincere efforts, shattered against this wall of rejection.”
This latest UN vote came just days before world leaders gather for the UN General Assembly where Gaza will be a major topic and key American allies, including the UK, are expected to recognise an independent Palestinian state.
In Gaza, thousands of people are continuing to flee the region amid ongoing deadly attacks as Israeli tanks and troops continue to advance on the third day of a ground offensive.
Olga Cherevko, a spokeswoman for the UN’s humanitarian office, told the BBC the situation in Gaza City is “nothing short of cataclysmic”.
The Israeli military launched a campaign in Gaza in response to the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on 7 October 2023, in which about 1,200 people were killed and 251 others were taken hostage.
At least 65,141 people have been killed in Israeli attacks in Gaza since then, according to the territory’s health ministry.
The ministry says another 435 people have so far died during the war as a result of malnutrition and starvation, including four over the past 24 hours.
Trump tells PM how to stop small boats and makes Putin admission – but saves harshest words for Sadiq Khan SKY NEWS UK Thursday 18 September 2025
Sir Keir Starmer pointed to the UK’s action, including the first return under the “one in, one out” deal with France, that happened earlier on Thursday.
Royals host Trump for first day of state visit at Windsor Castle, as protest held in London
BBC NEWS
17/09/25
King, Queen, Trump and first lady Melania watch the Red Arrows flypast
Summary
The King and Queen Camilla host Donald and Melania Trump at Windsor Castle for the first full day of their UK state visit
The US president and first lady took part in a series of ceremonies, including a carriage procession and a Red Arrows flypast – they also visited the late Queen Elizabeth’s tomb in St George’s Chapel
Still to come is a lavish state banquet, at which both the King and president will deliver speeches
Meanwhile, an anti-Trump demonstration is under way in London, with protesters also among the crowds in Windsor
Fashion analysis: One stylist says the Queen and Catherine “coordinated diplomatic dressing”, another says the first lady’s wide-brimmed hat shows she “wants all eyes on her husband”
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
Cookie
Duration
Description
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional
11 months
The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy
11 months
The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Favourites ·esrtSopdon0uii4i29igt1hhm67imt212005l4h2351m48cigtaith9u0f0g ·
