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Bhagawati Saraswati elected co-chair of the faith-based advisory council to UN

Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati, secretary-general of Global Interfaith WASH Alliance and president of Divine Shakti Foundation, Parmarth Niketan, Rishikesh has been elected as a co-chair of the faith-based advisory council to the United Nations.

She is among the 40 faith leaders who have been nominated to serve on the council.


She was in New York this week to speak at an event at the United Nations on women of faith as agents of transformation. The event was organised by the United Nations, the European Union and the KAICIID Centre for Interfaith and Intercultural Dialogue.

During her trip she also participated in the first face-to-face meeting of the advisory council.

The advisory council of faith-based organisations to the UN IATF-Religion is composed of the UN system’s faith-based partners, reflecting the diversity of religions, regional and national presence, and covering thematic areas which mirror the UN’s mandate.

This is the first time in the history of the UN system that a diverse group of UN system entities nominates its faith-based development, humanitarian and policy advocacy partners and then convene them in an advisory capacity to the whole of the UN system.

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London’s Colombo Kitchen

The community-driven initiative has raised funds through a series of fundraising events

Instagram /Colombo Kitchen

London’s Colombo Kitchen raises funds to support Sri Lanka flood victims

Highlights

  • South West London restaurant group raises close to £3,000 for Sri Lankan flood relief following Cyclone Ditwah.
  • Essential parcels and clothing boxes sent directly to affected families in worst-hit areas.
  • Chef Sylvia plans March 2026 Sri Lanka visit to personally select families for home rebuilding support.

South West London-based Sri Lankan restaurant group Colombo Kitchen, led by Sri Lankan-born chef and restaurateur Sylvia Perera, has raised close to £3,000 to support communities affected by severe flooding in Sri Lanka following Cyclone Ditwah, alongside further personal donations made by Chef Sylvia herself.

The community-driven initiative has raised funds through a series of fundraising events, including a buffet at Colombo Kitchen on 30 November 2025 where all profits were donated to flood relief.

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