𝑾𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒐𝒇 𝑾𝒂𝒊𝒍 ( දුක් ගන්නා රාළ )

How the sound of falling rain can induce calmness in people's minds? There are many reasons and here are they. Natural White Noise: Rain produces a consistent and gentle sound, often referred to as "white noise." White noise is a steady, unobtrusive sound that can mask other more distracting noises, helping to create a quieter, more peaceful environment. It can block out sudden, jarring sounds and create a soothing auditory backdrop. Associations with Nature: The sound of rain is closely associated with nature and the outdoors. For many people, the natural world is calming, and the sound of rain can evoke feelings of being safe and sheltered from the elements. Relaxing Rhythmic Patterns: Raindrops fall in a rhythmic pattern, and this repetitive, soothing sound can help people relax. The brain often responds positively to regular, predictable patterns, which can induce a sense of comfort and tranquillity. Reduced Sensory Overload: In a world filled with constant stimulatio...

Effective brainstorming sessions can be a powerful way to generate creative ideas and solutions to various problems. To have a successful brainstorming session, follow these best practices: Set Clear Objectives: Clearly define the problem or topic that needs brainstorming. Make sure all participants understand the goals of the session and what you hope to achieve. Choose the Right Participants: Invite individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives who can contribute to the discussion. A mix of expertise can lead to more innovative ideas.  The ideal number of participants will be fifteen or fewer. Create a Comfortable Environment: Choose a comfortable and relaxed meeting space that encourages open and free thinking. Avoid distractions and interruptions. If the sessions can be held in a place where high ceilings exist, the output is likely to increase significantly. Assign a Facilitator: Appoint a facilitator to guide the session. Their role is to ensur...

The Sinha are a small hill tribe living in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) of southeastern Bangladesh. They are one of the least-known and most marginalized indigenous peoples in the country. The Sinha population is estimated to be around 10,000 people, and they live in scattered villages in the Rangamati and Khagrachhari districts of the CHT. The Sinha people of Chittagong, Bangladesh believe that their forefather was a great lion.  This belief is reflected in their name, which means "lion" in their language.  The Sinha people also have a number of myths and legends about their lion ancestors. One popular Sinha myth tells the story of how a lion and a human woman fell in love and had a child and t his child was the first Sinha ancestor.  The myth goes on to say that the lion ancestor taught the Sinha people how to live in the forest and how to defend themselves from their enemies. The Sinha people's belief in their lion ancestor is important to their cultural identity a...

Sri Lanka is a land of ancient wonders, boasting a rich history that dates back thousands of years.  Among the many historical and cultural treasures scattered across the island, the mysterious dagobas at Kantharodai , located in Jaffna in the northern part of Sri Lanka, stand as a testament to the island's deep-rooted Buddhist heritage.  These enigmatic structures, known as the Kantharodai Dagobas, have long fascinated archaeologists, historians, and curious travellers alike, with their origins shrouded in mystery. The dagobas are large, hemispherical structures made of brick and mortar.  They are surrounded by a series of concentric walls and moats.  The largest of the dagobas is known as the Kantharodai Maha Chetiya , and it is one of the largest Buddhist dagobas in the world. Kantharodai is a site of historical and religious importance that dates back to the Anuradhapura period, around the 1st century BC.  The site is renowned for its ancient stupas or dagob...

Microsoft is finally adjusting an Excel function that has given scientists angst for nearly two decades.  Automatic Data Conversion, a technology that previously transformed specific human gene names into dates and caused significant errors in scientific studies, can now be disabled. Each of the almost 44,000 human genes has an abbreviated name as well as a symbol.  When a scientist wrote SEPT1 in an Excel sheet to represent the Septin-1 gene, the programme assumed they meant September 1 and changed it.  And if you've ever had to search through an Excel file, you know how easy it is to overlook a minor error like this. But those minor mistakes added up to enormous problems. A review of 10,000 scientific papers on genes published between 2014 and 2020 discovered that more than 30% of them contained a gene name error caused by Excel.  It got so bad that by 2020, the gene naming regulating board had altered 27 gene names so they couldn't be mistyped in the Microsoft pro...

The Nation Brands Index is a research project and index that measures and evaluates the global image and reputation of countries. It assesses how countries are perceived by people from around the world and how they are viewed in terms of various attributes, including their culture, governance, tourism, exports, and overall appeal. The Nation Brands Index provides insights into the strengths and weaknesses of a country's brand and can be a valuable tool for governments, policymakers, and businesses in shaping their strategies and policies. The Nation Brands Index is typically based on surveys and questionnaires administered to individuals in different countries, asking them about their perceptions of various nations. These surveys can inquire about a range of factors, including a country's political stability, economic performance, cultural influence, and overall quality of life. The results are then compiled and analyzed to create a ranking or index that reflects how each count...

Air travel has become an integral part of our modern lives, and airlines are continually looking for ways to enhance the passenger experience, including the boarding process.  United Airlines is set to introduce a novel boarding procedure known as WILMA, which stands for Window, Middle, and Aisle seat boarding sequence.  This innovative approach aims to streamline the boarding process, making it more efficient and passenger-friendly. The traditional method of boarding aircraft, such as the zone-based system, has long been associated with delays, congestion in the boarding area, and overall passenger frustration.  United Airlines recognizes these challenges and is taking proactive steps to address them by introducing the WILMA procedure. WILMA will be implemented on all United Airlines flights starting on October 26, 2023. It will be used for boarding passengers in economy class only.  First-class and Business-class passengers will still board first, followed by passe...

In an age where information is abundant and easily accessible through the click of a button, the concept of a "Human Library" emerges as a powerful and thought-provoking alternative. The Human Library is not about the printed word on pages bound by covers; it is about the living, breathing stories of individuals who open their lives to be 'borrowed' by curious readers. This innovative and trans-formative concept, born in the early 2000s, aims to promote tolerance, understanding, and dialogue among people from diverse backgrounds and experiences. Let us delve into the origins, objectives, and impact of the Human Library concept, emphasizing its significance in a world characterized by increasing divisions and prejudices. Origins and Evolution of the Human Library The Human Library concept originated in Copenhagen, Denmark, in 2000, when a group of activists and students, led by Ronni Abergel , sought a creative way to challenge stereotypes and break down prejudices in ...

Building a strong team culture in a small group of people is essential for fostering collaboration, trust, and a positive work environment. Here are some steps to help you establish a team culture in a small group: Define Your Team's Values and Mission: Start by clarifying your team's values and mission. What does the team stand for? What are your shared goals and objectives? Having a clear purpose will help guide your team's actions and decisions. Lead by Example: As a leader or member of the team, it's important to exemplify the values and behaviour you want to see in the team. Your actions and attitude can set the tone for the group. Open and Transparent Communication: Encourage open and honest communication. This means creating an environment where team members feel safe to express their opinions, ask questions, and provide feedback. Foster Trust: Trust is the foundation of a strong team culture. Build trust by keeping your commitments, ...

Sri Lanka has faced its fair share of economic challenges throughout its recent history. Two distinct periods, the early 1970s under Mrs. Sirima Bandaranaike 's austerity plan and the more recent hardships during the tenure of deposed President Gotabaya Rajapakse , stand out as stark reminders of the nation's economic struggles. Let us explore the similarities and differences between these two periods, shedding light on the underlying causes, policy responses, and their impacts on the people of Sri Lanka. Economic Challenges in the Early 1970s: In the early 1970s, Sri Lanka faced severe economic difficulties due to a combination of factors, including caused by the Yom Kippur War and rising global oil prices, a high import bill, and a heavily centralized, state-controlled economy. To address these issues, Prime Minister Sirima Bandaranaike introduced an austerity plan, which included nationalizing key industries and implementing import substitution policies. Which had a signi...

Credit cards are often called "laminated sharks" because they can be a dangerous financial tool if used irresponsibly. Like sharks, credit cards can be predatory, luring people in with promises of easy access to money, but then sinking their teeth in with high interest rates and fees. One of the biggest dangers of credit cards is that they can make it easy to overspend. When you use a credit card, you are not spending real money, so it can be easy to lose track of how much you are spending. This can lead to debt problems if you are not careful. Another danger of credit cards is that they can have high-interest rates. If you do not pay off your credit card balance in full each month, you will be charged interest on the remaining balance. This interest can add up quickly, especially if you have a high balance. Finally, credit cards can also have high fees. There are annual fees, late fees, and foreign transaction fees, just to name a few. These fees can add up and make it more ...

Inner Engineering is a comprehensive system for personal growth and self-transformation that was developed by Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev, an Indian yogi, mystic, and visionary.  This multifaceted program encompasses various yogic practices, meditation techniques, and spiritual wisdom to help individuals attain physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.  It is a holistic approach to inner transformation, emphasizing the integration of one's inner self with the external world.  Let us explore the principles and practices of Inner Engineering and its profound impact on individuals seeking self-improvement and personal growth. The Essence of Inner Engineering Inner Engineering is rooted in the ancient wisdom of yoga and meditation, but it is adapted to suit the needs of modern individuals. It comprises a structured program that focuses on the following key elements: Yoga:   Yoga is an integral part of Inner Engineering. It includes both physical postures (asanas) and breath...

Some other planets in our solar system have magnetic poles like the Earth.   In fact, all of the gas giants in our solar system (Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune) have magnetic fields that are much stronger than Earth's.  Mercury also has a magnetic field, but it is very weak. Venus and Mars, on the other hand, do not have significant magnetic fields. Planetary magnetic fields are generated by the movement of electrically conductive material inside the planet.   On Earth, this material is the molten iron that makes up our outer core. As the iron flows and swirls, it creates a magnetic field that extends into space. The strength and orientation of a planet's magnetic field can vary depending on a number of factors, including the size and composition of the planet's core, the rate at which the core rotates, and the presence of other magnetic fields in the planet's environment. For example, Jupiter's magnetic field is the strongest in the solar system because it...

Preferential shares ( also known as preferred shares or preference shares ) and ordinary shares ( also known as common shares or equity shares ) are two common types of shares issued by corporations. They have several significant differences: Priority in Dividends: Preferential shareholders have a priority claim on dividends. They are entitled to receive a fixed dividend amount before any dividends are paid to ordinary shareholders. This fixed dividend is typically expressed as a percentage of the face value or par value of the preferential shares. Ordinary shareholders receive dividends after preferential shareholders have been paid. Their dividends are not fixed and can vary depending on the company's profitability and dividend policy. Voting Rights: In many cases, preferential shareholders do not have voting rights or have limited voting rights. They may only be able to vote on certain matters, such as changes that could affect their preferred dividend or liquidation prefe...