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Results for “migration”

Prime Minister announces heavy government investment in people-centred development

November 11·3 sources

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya said the government is prepared to invest heavily in people-centred development and urged professionals, including engineers, to help transform Sri Lanka into a major global trade hub. Speaking at the CECB-CESL Symposium 2026 in Battaramulla on Wednesday (11), she said engineering contributions are vital to build rural schools and hospitals, improve roads, and revive maritime services. Minister Dr. Susil Ranasinghe also attended. Amarasuriya warned that recent migration has created a shortage of technical personnel to complete funded infrastructure projects, stressing that the country must find new ways to retain young professionals. She also called for disaster-resilient designs to handle frequent flooding, engineering education adapted to artificial intelligence, and engineers who develop administrative capabilities.

Politicsසිංහලதமிழ்

Ravi Karunanayake appeals to HSBC leadership to reverse closure of Sri Lanka centre

November 11·2 sources

Opposition Member of Parliament Ravi Karunanayake has written to HSBC Holdings leadership, appealing to them to reverse the planned closure of HSBC Electronic Data Processing Lanka. Karunanayake offered to help organise government support to retain the operation, urging discussions before the decision becomes irreversible. Citing an HSBC notice from 7 October 2026, he noted the proposed migration stems from a global operating-model review rather than local performance. Karunanayake stated the centre employed 1,659 workers as of 30 September 2026, down from a peak of about 4,500, warning that closure would disrupt thousands of livelihoods.

Economy & BusinessEnglish

Chinese Ambassador meets Deputy Minister Sunil Watagala to discuss combating online fraud

November 11·1 source

Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Wei Huaxiang met with Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Sunil Watagala at the ministry. The discussions focused on strengthening international cooperation to combat telecommunications and internet financial fraud, including Sri Lanka's potential participation in a joint international alliance. Both parties reaffirmed the long-standing friendship between Sri Lanka and China. They also discussed strengthening the capacity of the ministry, the Sri Lanka Police, and the Department of Immigration and Emigration through modern equipment and training. Additionally, both sides explored providing scholarship opportunities for police officers and ministry staff, committing to further bilateral cooperation to protect the public from online fraud.

Foreign Affairsසිංහල

France rejected half of asylum seekers returned by Britain, inspector's report reveals

November 11·1 source

A report by Chief Inspector of Borders John Tuckett revealed that France rejected half the asylum seekers Britain attempted to return under their bilateral "one-in, one-out" migration scheme. Signed in August 2025, the agreement allowed Britain to return Channel boat arrivals without family in the United Kingdom, while admitting migrants from France with UK family ties. Between August 2025 and June 2026, Britain sent 1,087 asylum seekers to France and received 1,117. However, 28,000 arrived on small boats, meaning Britain returned only about 4 percent of arrivals. The scheme ended in October 2026 after France stated it could not bear the burden alone, adding that Britain should negotiate an agreement with the European Union.

Foreign Affairsதமிழ்

Donald Trump says immigration crackdown was too tough following midterm election defeat

November 10·1 source

US President Donald Trump acknowledged that his immigration crackdown was "too tough" and contributed to his party’s defeat in the midterm elections. Speaking on CBS’ "60 Minutes", Trump said sweeping deportations politically hurt Republicans, though he claimed an "A plus" for limiting illegal border crossings and removing criminals. He noted that deporting employed individuals whose only violation was entering illegally caused political damage, even as the Homeland Security Department maintained it was not easing the crackdown. Election day polling ranked immigration as the third most critical issue, behind the economy and democracy. A swing among Latino voters in states like Texas helped Democrats secure congressional majorities. Trump added that he would "love to do something on Immigration" with congressional Democrats, though he offered no details.

PoliticsEnglish

Sharmila Rajapaksa calls for investigation into unauthorized bikini modeling in national parks

November 10·2 sources

Former Director General of the Department of National Zoological Gardens Sharmila Rajapaksa has called for an investigation into allegations that foreign models in bikinis are being used for unauthorized commercial photography in Lunugamvehera, Yala, and Kumana National Parks. In a Facebook post, Rajapaksa stated that a private company is promoting commercial photography packages using open safari jeeps. She questioned whether these activities violate national park regulations, commercial photography licensing, tourism rules, and immigration laws. Rajapaksa urged the Department of Wildlife Conservation, the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, and the police to investigate organizers, park officials, and jeep drivers. The allegations have not been independently confirmed, and authorities have not yet issued an official response.

Environment & Weatherසිංහල

Hungarian police arrest former Prime Minister Viktor Orban's brother for suspected people smuggling

November 10·1 source

Hungarian police arrested Aron Orban, the younger brother of former Prime Minister Viktor Orban, on Monday on suspicion of people smuggling and other offences. The development was disclosed through a press report shared by Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar. Following the arrest, Viktor Orban accused the new government of "political persecution." Orban had served 16 years in power, defined by strong opposition to immigration, until his defeat in elections in April.

Foreign AffairsEnglish

Butterfly expert explains widespread yellow and white butterfly flights as natural migration

November 10·1 source

Swarms of small white and yellow butterflies have been observed flying in the same direction across Colombo, Gampaha, Ratnapura, and Galle districts. The groups, ranging from 15 to over 100 butterflies, are seen mostly between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM. Addressing public concerns that the sight could signal an impending natural disaster, butterfly expert Dhammika Priyadarshani clarified that the flights are part of a normal ecological migration cycle. Priyadarshani explained that heavy rainfall accelerated the growth of host plants, causing a surge in the butterfly population. The insects are migrating to other areas to reduce competition for food, find new habitats, and locate suitable plants for laying eggs.

Environment & Weatherසිංහල

Development officers across Sri Lanka stage island-wide sick leave protest over unresolved demands

November 9·2 sources

Development officers across Sri Lanka launched an island-wide sick leave protest on 9 November over various unresolved demands. A coalition of 12 trade unions representing all nine provinces and the central government organized the trade union action. All Ceylon Development Officers' Association general secretary Anuradha Seneviratne warned that the work stoppage disrupts internal work across ministries, provincial councils, registration offices, and immigration departments. United Development Officers' Association chief secretary Dhammika Munasinghe stated that repeated appeals had brought no solutions. Trade union representatives warned of more intense protests if the government fails to address their grievances.

Otherසිංහලதமிழ்

Sri Lanka plans military deployment in migration corridors to protect wild elephants

November 9·1 source

On 9 November 2026, Deputy Minister of Environment Anton Jayakody chaired a meeting to discuss deploying special army divisions in high-risk elephant migration corridors. The deployment is part of plans to expand the 'Hasthi Sena' operation, conducted jointly by the Department of Wildlife Conservation and the three armed forces to address human-elephant conflict. Discussions focused on continuous monitoring and protecting areas frequented by solitary tuskers and herds with calves. Senior armed forces officers and the Ministry Secretary also attended the meeting. Officials further planned intelligence-based operations and targeted raids against wildlife crimes involving trap guns, improvised explosive devices, and illegal firearms. A Cabinet paper will be submitted to formalize and expand the operation under a legal framework.

Environment & Weatherதமிழ்

Internal assessments show Russian and US networks exploited recent French riots online

November 9·1 source

An internal European Union assessment revealed that a covert Russian network, Operation Overload, used social media to exploit riots in France in October. Protests against rising prices and declining public services had escalated into severe violence. The network impersonated Western media to spread false claims regarding migrant assaults and imminent attacks, attempting to portray the French government as weak and authoritarian. However, the EU found no evidence that external actors instigated the unrest. A French Foreign Ministry assessment found that accounts tied to the US and Israeli MAGA movement also linked the riots to extremist Islamism and migration. From October 16 to 18, ten Russian-backed X posts gained 2.8 million views.

Foreign Affairsதமிழ்

Prime Visa Centre wins customer excellence award at Honour of Business Talent 2026

November 9·1 source

Prime Visa Centre was awarded the Outstanding Visa and Immigration Consultancy Services – Customer and Service Excellence Award at the Honor of Business Talent 2026. The recognition marks a milestone in the consultancy's 17-year history and acknowledges its services in student counseling, university admissions, and visa processing.

Economy & BusinessEnglish

Butterfly and dragonfly migrations resume in large swarms across Sri Lanka

November 9·1 source

Swarms of small yellow and white butterflies have been observed across Sri Lanka, including Colombo, flying between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. with 15 to 50 butterflies per swarm. Environmentalist Dr. Jagath Gunawardana said the annual November–December migration has begun, marking the first time in 12 years that such large swarms have appeared following years of steep decline. Initial migrants include Lemon Emigrant and Mottled Emigrant species, alongside Orange Migrants and small numbers of mountain-dwelling Painted Lady butterflies around Colombo. Gunawardana added that a migration of yellow, orange, or red dragonflies traveling from India across the Maldives to Africa was also observed along Sri Lanka’s Western, North Western, and Southern coasts.

Environment & Weatherසිංහල

HRCSL urges urgent improvements at Mullaitivu detention centre holding 119 Rohingya

November 8·1 source

The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka has called for urgent improvements to conditions at the Mullaitivu immigration detention centre following an unannounced inspection. The commission raised concerns over overcrowding, inadequate healthcare and the denial of basic rights. A total of 119 Rohingya asylum seekers, including 60 children, remain confined at the facility.

Foreign AffairsEnglish

Indran Amirthanayagam’s poetry collection explores motherhood, identity, and migration

November 8·1 source

Indran Amirthanayagam’s poetry collection, “Mother in the White Rose,” is divided into two sections titled “Mother” and “The Honored.” The collection explores themes of motherhood, identity, dementia, womanhood, migration, belonging, and the complex relationship between the personal and the political.

Entertainment & CultureEnglish

Experts attribute widespread butterfly swarms across Sri Lanka to natural seasonal migration

November 8·1 source

Experts have clarified that swarms of white and yellow butterflies seen recently in Colombo, Galle and Ratnapura are part of a natural seasonal migration, dismissing social media speculation linking them to impending natural disasters. Butterfly expert Himesh Jayasinghe explained that monsoon rains spur host plant growth, increasing populations and prompting dispersal. A University of Peradeniya study identified October to December, during the Second Inter-Monsoon, as the principal migration period. A 2024 Sabaragamuwa University study led by Prof. Kapila Dissanayake identified three migratory species. The primary route covers approximately 280 kilometres from Kumana National Park to Wilpattu, taking three to four days at an average speed of 11 kmph. Researchers noted that while butterflies gather at elevated sites like Sri Pada for mating, known as 'hill-topping', field studies show most Albatross butterflies actually migrate northwest rather than towards Sri Pada.

Environment & WeatherEnglish

Donald Trump replaces White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles with Stephen Miller

November 7·2 sources

US President Donald Trump has replaced White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles with his close aide Stephen Miller. Miller is scheduled to assume office next Monday. The shake-up follows the Republican Party's defeat in the US midterm elections, where it lost majorities in both congressional chambers. Sources reported that Trump was displeased with the party's election strategy. Trump stated that Wiles performed excellently and will be directed to his political operations. Miller, who previously served as a deputy chief of staff and senior advisor, helped design Trump's strict immigration policies.

Foreign Affairsසිංහල

Canada plans to grant permanent residency to 200,000 temporary residents by 2027

November 7·1 source

The Canadian government plans to grant permanent residency to up to 200,000 qualified temporary residents by the end of 2027. The initiative was introduced under the 2026 Federal Budget and the 2027–2029 Immigration Levels Plan. Aiming to retain workers and clear immigration application backlogs, the government proposed allocating Canadian $302.3 million over four years to implement the program. According to the immigration department, up to 100,000 spots are designated for workers and their families across selected pathways. The remaining 100,000 places are reserved for humanitarian and family reunification applicants. These spots are separate from Canada's annual targets to admit 380,000 permanent residents and 370,000 temporary residents from 2027 to 2029. Approval is not automatic, and applicants must meet specific eligibility requirements.

Foreign Affairsසිංහල

India amends visa and passport rules for Sri Lankan Tamil refugees and others

November 6·1 source

India's Union Home Ministry published the Immigration and Foreigners (Exemption) (Amendment) Order, 2026, introducing new passport and visa rules on November 5. Under the amended order, registered Sri Lankan Tamil citizens who sought refuge in India on or before January 9, 2015, receive relief from standard passport and visa requirements. The amendments also cover select Pakistani citizens, minority refugees from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, and certain Tibetan nationals, alongside separate travel relaxations for Nepalese and Bhutanese citizens. According to a PTI report, exemptions apply under specific conditions, and several categories of people must still obtain relevant visas to continue their stay.

Foreign AffairsEnglish

Academics analyze deeper political and social crisis behind unrest in France

November 6·1 source

As France approaches another presidential election, student demonstrations, economic discontent and political polarisation reveal a society facing issues far beyond migration, according to Viran Maddumage and Sanduni Rathnayake. Maddumage is an assistant lecturer at Macquarie University, while Rathnayake is a probationary lecturer at General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University.

Foreign AffairsEnglish

Democrats win both chambers of US Congress in 2026 midterm elections

November 5·2 sources

Democrats won control of both chambers of the US Congress in the 2026 midterm elections, dealing a major setback to President Donald Trump. The party secured 54 Senate seats against 44 for Republicans and took the House of Representatives with 228 seats to 139, surpassing the 218-seat majority threshold. Key Democratic gains came in Republican strongholds including Texas, South Carolina, Kansas, North Carolina, Ohio and Iowa. In Michigan, Democrat Abdul El-Sayed won his race to become the first Muslim to serve in the US Senate. Voter concerns centred on the economy, cost of living and immigration. Trump acknowledged that the war with Iran, alongside rising fuel prices and broader inflation, contributed to the Republican defeat.

Foreign AffairsEnglish

Court orders Meegalewa wildlife officer to appear over tusker Kavantissa killing

November 5·1 source

Galagamuwa Magistrate Ravindra Ranjan Bandara has ordered the Meegalewa Wildlife Range Officer to appear in court on 19 November regarding investigations into the killing of the tusker Kavantissa. The order followed a motion filed by Attorney Rohitha Rajakaruna on behalf of the Best Vision Foundation, who called for an independent, scientific post-mortem examination to identify those responsible. Rajakaruna stated that accusations against local farmers were baseless, noting they had donated land for elephant corridors without compensation. Instead, outside businessmen and political associates had blocked migration routes with electric fences. He added that while not all Department of Wildlife Conservation officers were at fault, public suspicion existed that senior officials had neglected their responsibilities.

Crime & Courtsසිංහල

Police arrest 21 foreigners in Maradana over alleged online financial fraud

November 4·4 sources

Sri Lankan authorities arrested 21 foreign nationals on 2 November in Maradana over suspected online financial fraud and cybercrimes. The suspects include 12 Chinese, six Bangladeshi, and three Indian nationals. A joint raid by police criminal investigation bureaus and immigration officials uncovered computers and mobile phones in a building used as a workplace. Police noted the suspects lacked passports and were investigating potential tourist visa violations. According to Divaina, the group allegedly conducted online scams under the guise of doing business in Port City. On 3 November, the Maligakanda Magistrate's Court remanded six suspects, while 14 others granted bail were also remanded after failing to furnish it, Aruna reported.

Crime & Courtsසිංහල

Americans vote in US midterm elections with control of Congress at stake

November 4·1 source

Americans voted on 4 November 2026 in midterm elections seen as a referendum on Donald Trump’s second presidency, with control of the Republican-held Senate and House of Representatives at stake. Democrats aim to regain both chambers to check Trump’s policies, which include immigration deportations, war with Iran, and import tariffs. Surveys indicate Democrats are well-positioned to win the House. A New York Times and Siena University poll put Democrats ahead in five of seven Senate battlegrounds, including Texas and Kansas. In Michigan, Democratic Congresswoman Haley Stevens endorsed Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers over Democrat Abdul El-Sayed, drawing condemnation from Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer.

Foreign AffairsEnglish

Victorian Premier Ben Carroll meets Sri Lankan community leaders ahead of state election

November 4·1 source

Victorian Premier Ben Carroll met with members of Melbourne’s Sri Lankan community at a dinner hosted by community leader Sinantha Jayathilake ahead of the 28 November state election. Carroll, who took office in July, was joined by retiring Mill Park MP Lily D’Ambrosio, Yan Yean MP Lauren Kathage, and Labor’s Mill Park candidate Elizabeth Nealy. Community leaders, business owners and families raised issues affecting Sri Lankan Victorians, including small business development, skilled migration, education and the rising cost of living. Jayathilake stated that the event was organized to ensure the community’s voice was heard at the highest level of government, thanking Carroll for listening directly to their concerns.

PoliticsEnglish

Sri Lanka reports 487 new HIV cases in first half of 2026

November 3·2 sources

Sri Lanka recorded 487 new HIV cases in the first six months of 2026, marking a 13.3% increase from the 430 cases reported in the same period of 2025. According to the National STD/AIDS Control Programme, 249 cases were reported in the first quarter and 238 in the second. Males accounted for most infections, with a male-to-female ratio of 7:1 in the second quarter. Among people aged 15 to 24, 55 cases were recorded, comprising 48 males, six females, and one transgender individual. Eight AIDS-related deaths occurred across the two quarters, bringing cumulative AIDS-related deaths to 820. Additionally, 73 cases were detected via the Immigration Health Unit, including nine in the second quarter.

HealthEnglishதமிழ்

Deputy Minister Sundaralingam Pradeep outlines welfare initiatives for upcountry people

November 3·1 source

Speaking in Colombo on 2 November 2026, Deputy Minister Sundaralingam Pradeep said the National People's Power government has undertaken initiatives over the past two years to improve basic facilities and welfare for upcountry people. Pradeep stated that disaster victims were given quality houses with titles, adding that future housing projects will guarantee at least 10 perches of land with ownership deeds. He noted that estate workers' daily wages have increased, local infrastructure and schools have received development funding, and the long-closed Ramboda Cultural Hall is being renovated to reopen soon. To address youth migration, Pradeep said the government is implementing vocational training and loan programs to support domestic self-employment.

Politicsதமிழ்

UK doubles permanent residency wait to 10 years with care worker exemptions

November 3·1 source

UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced revised immigration rules doubling the standard wait for foreign workers to qualify for permanent residency from five to 10 years. Taking effect next year, the rules tie eligibility to income and apply retroactively to workers already in the country. Individuals earning over £50,000 can apply after five years, and those earning above £125,000 after three years. Care workers are exempt from the 10-year wait, qualifying after five years if they meet visa conditions and earn at least £25,000 annually. Refugees arriving via safe and legal routes can settle after five years, whereas refugees arriving on small boats face waits of up to 30 years.

Foreign AffairsEnglish

Exodus of skilled workers and ageing population create economic and social challenges

November 1·1 source

The migration of young professionals and skilled workers, combined with an ageing population, poses a serious threat to the economy and public welfare. The exodus is also creating significant difficulties for elderly people left behind.

Economy & BusinessEnglish

Chinese cybercrime suspects in Sri Lanka evade severe penalties due to missing complainants

November 1·1 source

In June 2024, the Criminal Investigation Department received a tip regarding an unauthorised computer lab linked to Chinese cybercrime networks operating in Sri Lanka. The absence of complainants allows suspects to evade severe punishment under relevant laws. Most suspects are instead prosecuted under immigration laws and deported.

Crime & CourtsEnglish