King Sasanka – Sri Lankan Writer & Retired Aviation Professional.

Bridging the Gap: The Regulatory Paradox of Sri Lanka’s New Metro Low-Floor Buses As Sri Lanka’s transport sector undergoes a major transformation with the large-scale rollout of modern Metro low-floor buses across Colombo and the Western Province, a fascinating debate has emerged. Commuters, transport enthusiasts, and regulators are locking horns over a classic policy paradox: How do high-tech urban transit buses fit into rigid legacy classifications where comfort often clashes with passenger capacity? 1. Decoding the Numbers: Capacity and Authorisation The newly deployed Metro low-floor bus service is engineered for high-density urban transport. Approved Capacity: Operating with a structural design that supports up to 80 passengers total , including 33 seated passengers and approximately 47 standing passengers .   The Regulatory Dilemma: Under traditional National Transport Commission (NTC) guidelines, luxury, semi-luxury, and air-...

  Reflections from the Ramp: Remembering a Unique Pilot and the Human Side of Aviation The recent news headlines surrounding an aviation incident involving an Omani pilot prompted a wave of nostalgia, instantly transporting me back to my own days working in Oman. Aviation is an industry where diverse cultures, backgrounds, and personalities constantly intersect. Yet, among the myriad aircrew members I encountered over the years, one particular pilot stood out vividly because of his intensely strict religious convictions and the extraordinary operational adjustments they required. In an environment defined by tight schedules, standardised crew transport, and seamless teamwork, this individual navigated his career under a completely unique set of personal guidelines. Navigating Strict Personal Boundaries Being a deeply devout person, this pilot maintained boundaries that shaped every aspect of his daily roster and ground logistics. While most flight decks and crew rooms buz...

For many young Sri Lankans aged 25 to 40, the question isn’t if they should look for opportunities abroad, but how and when . Amid lingering economic pressures, high taxation, and career stagnation at home, internet search queries for skilled migration , PR (Permanent Residency) points , and foreign job portals have reached an all-time high. Let's break down what's driving this massive wave of talent outmigration and the primary pathways young professionals are exploring today. What’s Fueling the Wave? (The Push Factors) While macroeconomic indicators show signs of macro recovery, everyday professionals continue to grapple with severe structural hurdles: The Squeeze of Taxation & Inflation: Heavy personal income taxes (APIT/PAYE) and rising living costs have drastically reduced real disposable incomes. Career Stagnation & Lack of Meritocracy: Bureaucracy, institutional challenges, and limited local salary growth have left many m...

Understanding Bipolar Manic Disorder: Symptoms, Treatment, and Management Bipolar manic disorder is a complex mental health condition marked by extreme shifts in mood, energy, and activity levels. Recognising the signs of a manic episode early is crucial for effective bipolar disorder treatment and long-term stability. 1. What is Bipolar Manic Disorder? Bipolar disorder involves cycles of emotional highs (mania) and lows (depression). A manic episode represents the high phase, where individuals experience intense emotional elevation, boundless energy, and unusually high activity levels that significantly impact daily life and decision-making. 2. How to Detect Bipolar Mania Symptoms Identifying bipolar mania symptoms requires looking for sudden and intense behavioral shifts that last for at least a week. Key warning signs include: Decreased need for sleep while feeling completely energized. Rapid speech, racing thoughts, and jumping quickly between different ideas. Inflated self-este...

Uganda Honours the Israeli Commando Who Died at Entebbe — 50 Years Later By Sasanka De Silva Uganda has unveiled a monument to Israeli commando Yoni Netanyahu at Entebbe Airport, 50 years after he died leading the 1976 hostage rescue operation. It is one of the more remarkable twists in the history of the Entebbe hostage crisis. Fifty years after Israeli commandos stormed Uganda's Entebbe Airport to rescue hostages from a hijacked Air France aircraft, Uganda has erected a memorial monument to the Israeli officer who was killed during the operation. The officer was Lieutenant Colonel Yonatan “Yoni” Netanyahu , commander of the Israeli Sayeret Matkal special forces unit that led the assault. He was the older brother of Benjamin Netanyahu, who would later become Israel's prime minister. From hostage crisis to historic monument On 27 June 1976, Air France Flight 139 was hijacked after leaving Athens while travelling from Tel Aviv to Paris. The hijackers diverted the air...

  A New Era for Apple Under John Ternus? Apple CEO John Ternus is reportedly planning major changes, from faster product launches and leaner management to new revenue streams and ambitious 2027 products. Apple’s new CEO, John Ternus, may be preparing to make major changes at the company. According to Bloomberg reports, Ternus is looking at ways to make Apple faster, leaner and more focused on engineering . Possible changes include: 🔹 Moving away from the traditional spring and autumn product-release cycle 🔹 Reducing layers of middle management 🔹 Getting new products to market faster 🔹 Encouraging more experimentation and new ideas 🔹 Cutting unnecessary costs 🔹 Looking for new sources of revenue Ternus became Apple CEO on September 1, 2026 , succeeding Tim Cook, who remains with Apple as executive chairman. And 2027 could be a very interesting year for Apple . Reports suggest the company is working on products such as camera-equipped AirPods, smart glasses and a major new iPho...