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Britain warns against 'all but essential travel' to Sri Lanka

Britain on Thursday (25) warned against "all but essential travel" to Sri Lanka following the terror attacks on Sunday (21) that claimed at least 359 lives.

"The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advise against all but essential travel to Sri Lanka, due to the current evolving security situation following attacks on 21 April 2019," the ministry said on its website.


It added that terrorists "are very likely" to try to carry out further attacks, which "could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreigners."

"The extent of any continued threat following the 21 April attacks remains unclear," it said.

Eight British nationals were among those killed in the deadly Easter bombings that targeted tourists and Christian worshippers.

Over 250,000 Britons visited Sri Lanka in 2018, making it the third highest source of tourism behind India and China, with the two countries retaining strong links since Sri Lanka became independent of colonial rule in 1948.

The British government told citizens already in the country to "remain vigilant, keep up to date with developments, follow the advice of local security authorities... keep a low profile and avoid crowded public places."

"All of the attacks on 21 April were carried out either in places of worship or in places where foreign visitors were affected.

"Any further attacks may be targeted against similar locations," it warned.

A small team of specialist officers from Britain's Metropolitan Police have been deployed to Sri Lanka to support families of victims and repatriate their bodies, the force said on Tuesday.

The police said they were not helping with the investigation "at this stage", but added that "should any request come... then this will be considered accordingly."

Prime Minister May offered help in the investigation to Sri Lankan counterpart Ranil Wickremesinghe during a telephone call on Tuesday.

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Priyanka Patel Inclusive Diwali

Diwali-themed event in Coventry marks the next partnership between The Empowered Desi and local business Sugar and Spice

Tristan Potter

Priyanka Patel’s Empowered Desi brings inclusive Diwali celebration to Coventry

Highlights

  • Diwali celebration tomorrow kicks off business with ticketed workshops and networking.
  • Model taps into growing demand for inclusive, heritage-focused experiences.
  • Platform targets not just south Asians seeking cultural connection, but everyone.

Creating cultural belonging

Priyanka Patel, curator of The Empowered Desi, a new events platform for south Asians seeking cultural connection, is here with a Diwali celebration on Saturday (18) at Fargo Village in Coventry. The venture was born from personal experience – Patel felt "isolated and neglected" growing up without many south Asian friends. Spotting a gap in the market, she's now building a business around creating inclusive spaces for south Asians regardless of religious or regional background.

Diwali-themed , Paint N Sip event in Coventry marks the venture's next partnership with local business Sugar and Spice, Patel is offering a ticketed experience featuring diya decorating workshops, Indian grazing boards with chai, and jewellery stations where guests can take home jhumkas and bangles. The Diwali format combines cultural celebration with networking opportunities, with south Asian attire preferred.

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