King Sasanka – Sri Lankan Writer & Retired Aviation Professional.

Discover the deep history of prehistoric Sri Lanka, the Balangoda Man hunter-gatherers, Fa-Hien Lena cave sites, and the enduring heritage of the indigenous Vedda people. A 38,000-Year Human Legacy in South Asia Sri Lanka possesses one of the oldest and richest prehistoric human records in South Asia . Anthropological and archaeological evidence confirms that anatomically modern humans ( Homo sapiens ) have inhabited the island for at least 38,000 years . This ancient foundation predates the island's recorded kingdoms and classical civilisations by millennia . The Balangoda Culture and Major Archaeological Sites At the core of Sri Lankan prehistory is the Balangoda Man , a term used by researchers to describe prehistoric hunter-gatherer populations linked to the island's unique Balangoda culture . These early communities adapted to local forests and grasslands through advanced survival strategies. Key highlights include: Sophisticated Toolmaking: They manufactured and util...

Explore a comprehensive fundamental analysis of Panasian Power PLC (PAP) on the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE).  Review its valuation, P/E ratio, key strengths, risks, and overall financial quality. Fundamental Analysis: Panasian Power PLC (PAP.N0000) One-Sentence Summary: Panasian Power PLC demonstrates robust operating profitability and attractive valuation multiples supported by its renewable energy portfolio, though its financial standing is tempered by elevated leverage and weather-dependent cash flows. 3 Strengths High Operating Margins: Generates strong operational efficiency, boasting an EBITDA margin exceeding 57% driven by the low variable-cost structure of its mini-hydro and solar assets. Reasonable Valuation Multiples: Trades at a trailing Price-to-Earnings (P/E) ratio of approximately 10.8x to 12.8x, which compares favorably to the broader regional renewable energy industry average. Guaranteed Revenue Fr...

When the Universe Steps In: A Story of Synchronicity, Compassion, and a Pair of Pre-Loved Gym Shoes There are moments in life when the universe seems to orchestrate events with uncanny precision. You make a small, ordinary decision, like upgrading your gym shoes after years of loyal service, and suddenly, you find yourself at the centre of a profound encounter. Was it mere coincidence, or a deliberate alignment of the cosmos? Let's explore how a simple act of letting go turned into a moment of pure human connection. The Impetus for Change My trusty gym shoes still had a few months, if not a full year, of structural integrity left in them. They had weathered countless resistance training sessions, heavy lifts, and miles of dedication. Yet, after years of faithful wear, I decided that a change was simply in order. I treated myself to a fresh pair, leaving the old ones sitting in the box, waiting to be initiated. But instead of tossing them into the bin, an instinct told me they deser...

Summary Tokyo Cement (TKYO) exhibits solid top-line growth driven by surging construction demand and market leadership, though its bottom-line profitability has contracted due to absorbed cost escalations, currency depreciation, and increased capital expenditure expenses. Key Strengths Robust Volume Growth & Leadership: Cement sales volumes grew by 28% year-on-year in FY 2025/26, significantly outperforming the broader industry growth rate of 19% and strengthening its dominant market position. Top-Line Expansion: Annual turnover expanded by 22% to reach Rs. 61,011 million , supported by the revival of stalled government infrastructure and private-sector construction initiatives. Strategic Supply Chain Enhancements: Investments in capacity expansion projects and a dedicated coastal shipping vessel improve long-term distribution efficiency from Trincomalee and mitigate transport risks. Risks & Watch Points Margin Compression: Profit after tax declined by 26% to Rs...

In the rich tapestry of Sri Lankan culture, the ritual of Mathaka Bana (මතක බණ) stands as one of the  most profound and essential Buddhist funerary traditions. It is not merely a religious sermon; it is a vital  bridge between the living and the departed, designed to facilitate the soul's transition while providing  emotional solace to the bereaved family. The Spiritual Significance: Death and Impermanence At the heart of the Mathaka Bana lies the core Buddhist teaching of Anichchaya, the impermanence of all  conditioned things. When a death occurs, the family is plunged into grief. The monk, through the sermon,  gently guides the listeners to acknowledge that life is fleeting, transforming their sorrow into a reflective  understanding of existence. By focusing on the nature of Anichchaya (impermanence), the sermon helps mourners detach from the raw  pain of loss and channel their energy into something constructive: the act of merit transfer (Punya). I...

Fundamental Summary One-sentence summary: PKME’s fundamentals show robust top-line revenue expansion, strong cash flow generation, and low balance sheet leverage backed by a dominant market position in Sri Lanka's digital mobility sector. 3 Strengths Robust Revenue & Earnings Growth: The company has delivered consistent upward trajectories in annual revenue and net profit, supported by expanding adoption across ride-hailing, food delivery, and logistics segments. Strong Cash Flow & Low Leverage: PKME maintains a healthy balance sheet with significantly more cash and short-term investments than total debt, alongside high free cash flow conversion. Market Dominance: As a pioneer and market leader in Sri Lanka's app-based mobility and digital commerce infrastructure, it benefits from strong network effects. 2 Risks or Watch Points Regulatory and Macro Exposure: Changes in fuel pricing, urban ...