Australia’s Sri Lankan-born community has recorded steady growth, reaching an estimated 184,800 by mid-2025, according to the latest figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

The new estimate marks a significant increase from 172,800 in June 2024 and 158,300 in June 2023, underscoring continued post-pandemic migration momentum.

Over the past decade, the Sri Lankan-born population in Australia has expanded markedly, rising from just over 110,000 in 2013 to nearly 185,000 in 2025. The data indicates the community is accounting for an increasingly larger share of the country’s overseas-born population.

Sri Lanka now ranks among the top 10 countries of birth for migrants in Australia, remaining slightly ahead of Malaysia-born residents and surpassing several other established migrant groups.

The figures also show that India-born residents continue to represent the largest overseas-born population in Australia, followed by those born in England.

The latest data, part of Australia’s population by country of birth series, reflects broader migration trends as the country continues to rebuild and expand its workforce and population base in the post-COVID period.

The National Cadet Corps (NCC) has launched a targeted drug prevention training programme for its officers, aiming to shield schoolchildren from rising narcotics use.

The initiative leverages the close rapport NCC officers maintain with students, amid growing concern over drug abuse among school-aged youth. It forms part of the wider “Clean Sri Lanka” national drive to promote a healthier society.

Under the direction of NCC Director Major General A.P.R. Premathilake, a two-day pilot workshop was held at the National Dangerous Drugs Control Board (NDDCB), focusing on the Western Province. Fifty selected officers received intensive training in prevention and early intervention strategies.

A certificate-awarding ceremony marked the conclusion of the programme, attended by senior officials, including NDDCB Director Major General (Retd.) K.M. Kothalawala and other key training and provincial representatives.

Organised by the NCC Media Unit, the initiative highlights the Corps’ stepped-up efforts to counter the spread of illegal drugs among the country’s youth.

The Chief Spokesperson of the Maldives Government, Mohamed Hussain Shareef (Mundhu), announced on Friday that President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu is set to sign seven agreements during his upcoming visit to Sri Lanka.

Following an invitation from President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, President Muizzu will travel to Sri Lanka from this coming Sunday until Wednesday.

Speaking on the newly launched programme “Presser with the Spox” at the PSM state media studio today, Shareef stated that official discussions between the two Presidents will take place during the trip. He noted that, as currently arranged, at least seven agreements will be signed between the Maldives and Sri Lanka on Higher Education, Defence Cooperation, Foreign Relations, Health Sector and Sports and Youth.

“There are many such fields. MOUs in specific sectors are being brought (for signing),” the Chief Spokesperson said.

Shareef further stated that during President Muizzu’s visit, discussions will be held to facilitate networking between Maldivian and Sri Lankan business owners, as well as to explore available investment opportunities.

In addition, the President is scheduled to meet with Sri Lankan ministers, the Prime Minister, and the Maldivian community residing in Sri Lanka.

The President’s Office has confirmed that the delegation accompanying President Muizzu will include First Lady Saajidha Mohamed, as well as several cabinet ministers and high-level government officials.Last year, President Dissanayake visited the Maldives to coincide with the occasion of the 60th anniversary of established diplomatic relations between the Maldives and Sri Lanka.