Working on a Sri Lankan-Australian Epic, He Learned His Family’s Past
The playwright S. Shakthidharan has lived in Australia since he was a toddler, but when he speaks of his homeland, he means Sri Lanka.
Asian news from Australia
Cash-strapped consumers are giving Australia’s liquor makers a headache
A recent slump in sales means Sydney liquor store owner Louise Dowling has to work an additional 40 hours a week to make up for the staff she had to let go, as a prolonged cost of living crisis in Australia drives more people to drink less.
Japan slow to cater for vegetarians despite growing demand
A surge in inbound tourism has boosted the number of vegetarians visiting Japan, but businesses in the country have not been able to fully meet demand by providing sufficient animal-free food options, a body that promotes vegetarianism said.
Thailand ‘desperate’ for land bridge project to boost growth but could face roadblocks ahead
Thailand’s decision to press ahead with a land bridge project this week despite political and environmental concerns underscores an urgency by the Southeast Asian nation to propel economic growth and shore up the government’s popularity, according to observers.
Pope to meet Papua New Guinea Catholics who embrace both Christianity and Indigenous beliefs
MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Pope Francis’s visit to Papua New Guinea will take him to a remote part of the South Pacific island nation where Christianity is a recent addition to traditional spiritual beliefs developed over millennia.
In the Pacific, a ‘Dumping Ground’ for Priests Accused or Convicted of Abuse
Pope Francis will be welcomed by children bearing flowers, a 21-gun salute and a candlelight vigil after he lands in Papua New Guinea on Friday. It will be the first papal visit in three decades to the Pacific Islands, a deeply Christian region — but one that has played a little-known role in the clergy abuse scandal that has stained the Roman Catholic Church.
Why Australia wants US-made B-21 stealth bombers
Australia may soon acquire American-made B-21 Raiders, a sixth-generation stealth bomber that would offer significant strategic advantages and immediate military capabilities over nuclear submarines.