New Zealand’s new visa rules make it easier for skilled workers & international students
New Zealand’s government is rolling out changes to the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Resident Visa in a bid to attract and retain skilled workers, fueling the country’s long-term economic growth. Two new pathways under this visa category aim to streamline…
Derana 360 interview turns tense as Handunnetti resists asset questions
Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Sunil Handunnetti clashed with TV Derana journalist Kalindu Karunaratne during a live broadcast of Derana 360 on Monday night, after refusing to directly answer questions about his assets. Handunnetti told Karunaratne it was “not…
Legendary cricket umpire Dickie Bird dies
Legendary cricket umpire Dickie Bird has died aged 92, Yorkshire County Cricket Club has said. In a statement, the club said: “It is with profound sadness that The Yorkshire County Cricket Club announces the passing of Harold Dennis “Dickie” Bird…
Rs. 1.49 Bn approved to renovate Kottawa–Dodangoda stretch of expressway
Cabinet approval has been granted to award the contract for the renovation of the section of the road from Kottawa to Dodangoda of the Southern Expressway. The section of the road from Kottawa to Dodangoda on the Southern Expressway, which…
Six more countries to formally recognise Palestinian statehood
The leaders of six countries, including France, have moved to recognise Palestinian statehood at a high-level summit ahead of the annual United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) meeting in New York. Alongside France, which co-convened the meeting with Saudi Arabia on…
Shakespeare Legacy Continues: The Finals of the 50th All Island Inter-School Shakespeare Drama Competition
50th All Island Inter School Shakespeare Drama Competition The 50th All Island Inter School Shakespeare Drama Competition has taken the spotlight as the most anticipated school theatre festival this year. The competition will take place on Friday, 26th September 2025 at the…
MICE EXPO positions Sri Lanka on global stage : PM
The SRI LANKA MICE EXPO 2025 is a great opportunity to engage in business activities at the international level and is also a valuable platform to bring the name of Sri Lanka onto the global stage, Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya…
Cabinet clears new Microfinance Regulatory Bill for Parliament
Cabinet approval has been granted to present the new Microfinance and Credit Regulatory Authority Bill to Parliament. Due to the inadequacy of provisions in the existing Microfinance Act No. 6 of 2016 to establish a comprehensive regulatory framework for Sri…
Afghan teen survives 36,000-ft flight in plane’s landing gear to India
A 13-year-old Afghan boy’s “curiosity” led him to stow away in the landing gear compartment of a Kabul-Delhi flight, according to a PTI report. The boy managed to travel undetected on KAM Airlines flight number RQ-4401, which landed at Delhi’s…
95th National Day : Saudi highlights role of 250,000 SL workers
Saudi Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Khalid bin Hamoud Alkahtani, says Saudi Arabia hosts more than 250,000 Sri Lankan workers, who contribute significantly to the country’s development. In his message for the 95th National Day of Saudi Arabia, Ambassador Alkahtani said…