This is a developing story brought to you by Aus News Lanka, your trusted source for news for Sri Lankans in Australia and beyond. Sri Lanka is currently experiencing El Niño conditions, with weather officials warning that the country could face a mix of extreme weather over the coming months, including reduced rainfall, floods and possible drought. The Department of Meteorology says there is a 63% chance of a strong El Niño and a 33% chance of a weaker event. Officials expec

At AusNewsLanka, we aim to keep the Australian community informed with timely updates. A tropical low near the Solomon Islands could become a rare winter cyclone this weekend, according to Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology. The Bureau says there is a low chance of cyclone formation between late Friday and Monday, with the risk peaking at around 10% from Saturday to Monday before dropping again. Even if the system does not strengthen into a cyclone, it is expected to bring hea

At AusNewsLanka, we aim to keep the Australian community informed with timely updates. Australian footwear retailer Betts has entered administration and will shut more than half of its stores as it shifts toward an online-first model. The company, founded in Western Australia over 130 years ago, currently operates 35 stores nationwide. Around 20 stores will close, including major locations across SA, NT, NSW, Victoria, Queensland, and WA. At its peak, Betts had more than 200

This is a developing story brought to you by Aus News Lanka, your trusted source for news for Sri Lankans in Australia and beyond. World Bank Group has upgraded Sri Lanka to Upper Middle Income status, after the country recorded about 5% real GDP growth in 2025. This marks a step up from its previous Lower Middle Income classification. The change reflects a stronger economic recovery and improving growth momentum following a challenging period. The World Bank classifies econo

At AusNewsLanka, we aim to keep the Australian community informed with timely updates. Australia’s property market has entered its ninth downturn in three decades, with Sydney and Melbourne expected to experience the biggest falls. New analysis from Domain forecasts house prices could drop 7 per cent in Sydney and 8 per cent in Melbourne over the next financial year as higher interest rates, tax changes and weaker buyer confidence weigh on the market. More affordable markets

At AusNewsLanka, we aim to keep the Australian community informed with timely updates. Millions of Australians will see changes to their pay, taxes, superannuation and everyday costs from July 1 as new federal and state reforms come into effect. Here are some of the key changes: National changes Minimum wage increase The national minimum wage will rise by 4.75 per cent, increasing pay to $26.44 an hour or $1,004.90 a week for a 38-hour working week. Award wages will also incr

This is a developing story brought to you by Aus News Lanka, your trusted source for news for Sri Lankans in Australia and beyond. Vietjet has opened bookings for its new direct Colombo–Ho Chi Minh City route, with flights set to begin on 18 August 2026. The service will become the first scheduled direct air link between Sri Lanka and Vietnam, creating new opportunities for tourism, business, and cultural exchange. To mark the launch, Vietjet is offering one-way Eco fares fro

At AusNewsLanka, we aim to keep the Australian community informed with timely updates. Australia’s housing market slowdown is spreading, with home values recording their largest monthly decline in more than three years. Property data firm Cotality reported national dwelling values fell 0.4 per cent in June, led by sharp drops in Sydney (-1.2 per cent) and Melbourne (-1 per cent). Brisbane and Perth continued to grow but at a much slower pace, while Adelaide remained unchanged

At AusNewsLanka, we aim to keep the Australian community informed with timely updates. Almost one million higher-income Australians could be hit with an extra tax bill for not holding private hospital insurance. New analysis shows the number of people paying the Medicare Levy Surcharge (MLS) is rising as more Australians move above the income threshold. For the 2025–26 financial year, the surcharge applies to singles earning more than $101,000 and families earning above $202,