Higher standard of English now required to settle in the UK
The UK Government has announced landmark immigration reforms requiring migrants to demonstrate a higher standard of English proficiency if they wish to settle permanently. Under the new Earned Settlement framework, the language requirement will be raised from GCSE to A‑level…
Two killed in Saudi Arabia after ‘projectile’ falls on residential building
At least two people have been killed after a projectile fell on a residential location in Saudi Arabia‘s Al-Kharj city, Saudi authorities reported, as Iranian counterattacks on Gulf nations hosting US military assets entered a second week. The Saudi civil…
Afternoon showers expected in some areas of Sri Lanka today
Mainly dry weather will prevail over Sri Lanka today, while showers are expected in some areas in the afternoon, according to the Department of Meteorology. Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in Ratnapura, Kalutara, Galle and Matara…
Mojtaba Khamenei selected as Iran’s new supreme leader
Mojtaba Khamenei, the second son of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed on the first day of the war that the United States and Israel launched on Iran, has been selected as Iran’s new supreme leader, state media reports. The…
Iran confirm 104 killed in US submarine attack on warship off Sri Lanka
Iran’s army says that 104 personnel were killed and 32 others wounded when a United States submarine attacked and sank the Iranian warship IRIS Dena in the Indian Ocean last week, according to Iran’s Fars news agency. The frigate was…
Oil prices surge past $100 for first time since 2022
Global oil prices have breached the $100 (£74) a barrel mark for the first time since 2022 as escalating military aggression in the Middle East continues to wipe 20m barrels of oil from the market each day. Brent crude, the…
Study Smart, Succeed Strong: Why Sri Lankan Students Are Choosing Victoria University
For many Sri Lankan students, studying in Australia is more than an academic goal. it is a dream of global exposure, quality education, and career advancement. But balancing studies, family responsibilities, and part-time work abroad can often feel overwhelming. Now,…
India busts Sri Lanka–Nepal drug trafficking network
India’s Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has busted an international drug trafficking network operating between Nepal, India and Sri Lanka, seizing narcotics worth around INR 100 million and arresting five suspects. Indian authorities said 77.6 kg of hashish oil and 2…
Australia orders dependants of officials to leave UAE
Australia has directed the dependants of its officials posted to the United Arab Emirates to leave the country due to the deteriorating security situation in the region. Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the decision was taken as a precaution…
99% of oil patches off Hikkaduwa already removed: MEPA
Small oil patches reported off the coasts of Hikkaduwa and Dodanduwa have been inspected by the Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA). Speaking at a media briefing today (08), MEPA Chairman Samantha Gunasekara said the oil patches were very small in…