King Sasanka – Sri Lankan Writer & Retired Aviation Professional.

Diwali, or Deepavali, which translates from Sanskrit as "a row of lights" (deep meaning light, and avali meaning a row), is fundamentally a celebration of the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil. While deeply rooted in historical, regional, and mythological narratives across Hindu, Jain, Sikh, and Buddhist traditions, its core spiritual meaning transcends specific legends. It is a profound inner awakening—an invitation to dispel the darkness of the ego and ignorance within ourselves and ignite the light of wisdom, compassion, and divine consciousness. Key Dimensions of the Meaning of Diwali The Inner Light (Atman) : At its deepest philosophical level, the lighting of clay lamps (diyas) symbolises the awakening of the inner soul (Atman). Just as a single lamp has the power to banish total darkness in a room, a single moment of true self-awareness or spiritual clarity can dispel a lifetime of ignorance and fear. The Victory of Righteousn...

FIRST CAPITAL HOLDINGS PLC (CFVF.N0000) – Fundamental Analysis 2026 First Capital Holdings PLC (CFVF.N0000) share analysis for 2026. Examine earnings growth, profitability, financial strength, valuation, dividend potential and investment risks on the Colombo Stock Exchange. 60-second fundamental assessment One-sentence summary: First Capital Holdings remains an established player in Sri Lanka's capital markets, but its latest reported results reveal a significant deterioration in profitability, making the current earnings outlook less reassuring despite its attractive historical dividend yield. 3 strengths 1. Established financial-services business: First Capital operates across primary dealing, corporate finance, stockbroking and wealth management, providing exposure to several segments of Sri Lanka's capital markets. 2. Recognised credit standing: Lanka Rating Agency maintained the company's long-term rating at A+ with a Stable outlook in June 2026. 3. Dividend history: ...

Anyone who travels the Kottawa to Makumbura route knows the drill: the published bus fare is Rs. 34. To avoid the familiar conductor’s story about "no balance change," you learn to board with an extra Rs. 5 coin ready, voluntarily letting go of that Rs. 1 change that you will never get back anyway.   After my morning workout at the gym today, I stepped onto the bus holding a Rs. 50 note and a Rs. 5 coin. The driver hit a bump, the bus jerked violently, and the coin slipped from my hand. I heard it clink and roll, but I couldn't locate it under the seats.   A passenger nearby saw me searching and asked what I was looking for. I told him directly and clearly: "My Rs. 5 coin fell, and I'm trying to find it."   When we reached the Makumbura terminal, this same passenger got off ahead of me. Right on the exit step, he spotted a Rs. 5 coin. Without missing a beat, he picked it up, pocketed it, and walked away into the crowd.   He was not a reckless teenage...

Machapuchare: The Mysterious Fishtail Mountain of the Himalayas 30-SECOND READ | TRAVEL & GEOGRAPHY Discover Machapuchare, Nepal's mysterious Fishtail Mountain in the Himalayas. Explore its breathtaking beauty, sacred significance and unclimbed summit. Hidden among the spectacular peaks of the Nepalese Himalayas is Machapuchare, popularly known as Fishtail Mountain. Standing about 6,993 metres above sea level, this extraordinary mountain is famous for its twin summits, which resemble a fish's tail. Located in Nepal's Annapurna region, Machapuchare is considered sacred by many Nepalese. Remarkably, its summit remains unclimbed, with climbing prohibited out of respect for its religious significance. While Mount Everest receives worldwide attention, Fishtail Mountain quietly captivates visitors with its breathtaking beauty, mystery and spiritual significance. Sometimes, the most extraordinary mountains are not necessarily the tallest! #FishtailMountain #Machapu...

Urgent Public Safety Concern at Havelock City Mall: Unmarked Hazards Put Shoppers at Risk A serious safety hazard was recently left unattended right in the middle of the main public walkway at Havelock City Mall.  An unsuspecting visitor, while walking and talking, tripped over the stray concrete-metal block and fell.  While the physical injuries luckily remained minor, a direct fall onto the protruding metal fixture could have resulted in a catastrophic accident. As a premier lifestyle destination heavily patronised by senior citizens, children, and families every day, leaving heavy, unbarricaded objects in high-traffic pedestrian zones is a glaring oversight.  It raises an urgent question: Where was the Safety & Compliance unit when this happened? This post is a public call to action for the management and compliance teams at Havelock City Mall to strengthen safety protocols, clear pathways immediately, and enforce strict, proactive monitoring to prevent a ma...

Navigating Skies and Stereotypes: A Real-World Look at Ryanair, Airport Protocol, and Global Travel Realities   Recent headlines have put budget carrier Ryanair back in the spotlight after Sri Lankan cricket legend Kumar Sangakkara alleged unacceptable behaviour and discrimination by gate personnel at Dublin Airport.   The high-profile incident has sparked widespread conversations across social media about airline customer service, passenger rights, and the subtle, and sometimes overt, biases travellers face at international boarding gates.   While major airlines and budget carriers alike frequently face scrutiny over strict baggage policies and gate enforcement, every traveler’s journey is shaped by a mosaic of contrasting personal experiences.   Reflecting on our own experiences flying across Europe with Ryanair, alongside decades of global travel, reveals a complex picture of how institutional policies and human empathy intersect at airports worldwide...