Life Story

‘From rags to riches,’ How a Sri Lankan worker became a millionaire in Australia at 25

Published

1 year ago

October 14, 2024

The story of a Sri Lankan worker, who migrated to Australia less than a decade ago and has become a millionaire now, has taken the internet by storm. At the age of 25, Vinul Karunaratne has made enough money to quit and shift full-time to doing gig jobs.

Karunaratne moved to Australia in 2015 and started working at 7-Eleven stores. But in 2019, he started taking on end-of-lease cleaning jobs on Airtasker. It’s a Sydney-based online marketplace that enables people to outsource everyday tasks – such as cleaning, assembling furniture, or yard work – for others to complete in exchange for cash.

Karunaratne told local news channel 7News that he didn’t have much resources and equipment when he started. “When I started, I didn’t even have much equipment. I had a vacuum, mop, bucket, and some rags,” he said, adding, “That was the stuff I had at home.”

His hard work eventually paid off and he was soon able to ditch his job at 7-Eleven to shift full-time to Airtasker.

According to the platform, Karunaratne is one of the top 10 earners on Airtasker. He manages to pocket an impressive $1,000 to $1,400 everyday. Dailymail reported that Karunaratne mainly performs bond cleans but also steams carpets and cleans offices.

Tim Fung, Airtasker founder and CEO said, referring to Karunaratne’s success on the platform that anyone can earn extra cash by working hard. Fung also termed Karunaratne’s story as ‘inspirational.’ Fung hoped that more work will be available on his platform in the coming days.

Karunaratne also shared his experience of working with the platform, saying it enabled him to be his ‘own boss.’

“It’s physical work, but it’s good money. I enjoy the flexibility and working on my own terms. I’m my own boss,” he was quoted as saying by the Australian media outlet. (WION)

Life Story

Sri Lankan-Born academic Knighted in King’s New Year honours

Published

1 week ago

January 8, 2026

admin

Professor Nishan Canagarajah, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Leicester, has been knighted in the 2026 King’s New Year Honours.

Born in Jaffna and educated at St. John’s College, he moved to the UK on a scholarship to the University of Cambridge.

The honor recognizes his 30-year career and his leadership in making higher education more inclusive.

Under his guidance, the University of Leicester has become one of the UK’s most diverse institutions.

Reflecting on the honor, Professor Canagarajah described it as a “remarkable journey” for a boy from a once war-torn land, credited to the transformative power of education.

Life Story

Taavi Samaraweera makes history in world table tennis rankings

Published

2 months ago

November 11, 2025

admin

Sri Lanka’s Taavi Samaraweera has climbed to Number three in the Under-eleven Boys’ World Table Tennis Rankings.

This ranking is the highest ever achieved by a Sri Lankan player at any age level, marking a historic milestone for the nation in the sport.

Samaraweera secured the achievement following a run of consistent performances at several recent international events.

His success signals a bright future for Sri Lankan table tennis.

Life Story

Sri Lankan Sprinters Crowned South Asia’s Fastest Man And Woman

Published

3 months ago

October 26, 2025

admin

Sri Lanka has produced South Asia’s fastest man and woman for the first time in years, following stunning victories at the 2025 South Asian Senior Athletics Championships held in Ranchi, India.

Chamod Yodhasinghe sprinted to gold in the men’s 100 metres event, setting a new championship record with an impressive time of 10.3 seconds. Yodhasinghe, who also won the same event at the 103rd National Athletics Championships earlier this year, represented the Sri Lanka Army at the regional meet.

Meanwhile, Safia Yameek clinched gold in the women’s 100 metres, clocking 11.53 seconds — another record-breaking performance for Sri Lanka.

With both Yodhasinghe and Yameek taking the top spots in their respective events, Sri Lanka now holds the titles of South Asia’s fastest man and fastest woman, marking a proud moment for the nation’s athletics history.