𝑾𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒐𝒇 𝑾𝒂𝒊𝒍 ( දුක් ගන්නා රාළ )

"Kotahalu Magula" and "Bar Mitzvah" are coming-of-age rituals for girls and boys, respectively. They are both important milestones in the lives of young people, and they mark the transition into adulthood. Kotahalu Magula is a Sinhalese Buddhist ritual that is celebrated when a girl reaches her first menstrual period. The ritual typically lasts for three days and involves a series of ceremonies, including bathing, dressing, and offering alms to the Buddha. The purpose of the ritual is to teach the girl about her body and her responsibilities as a young woman. Bar Mitzvah is a Jewish ritual that is celebrated when a boy reaches the age of 13. The ritual marks the boy's entry into manhood, and it is an opportunity for him to affirm his commitment to the Jewish faith. The Bar Mitzvah ceremony typically includes a reading from the Torah, a sermon, and a celebration with family and friends. Here is a table that compares and contrasts Kotahalu Magula and Bar Mitzvah: ...

In the book “Alchemist” written by “Paulo Coelho” King Melchizzedek says to the shepherd boy Santiago, "When you want something, all the universe conspires to help you achieve it," encapsulates the transformative power of intention and the interconnectedness of all things. It suggests that when we harbour a genuine and unwavering desire, a ripple effect is created within the universe, aligning various circumstances and synchronizing events to bring our aspirations to fruition. This concept aligns with the principle of the Law of Attraction, which posits that our thoughts and emotions emit a vibrational frequency that attracts corresponding experiences. By cultivating a strong and persistent desire for something, we essentially tune ourselves into the frequency of that outcome, increasing the likelihood of its manifestation. The idea that the universe conspires to help us is not merely a passive notion; it implies active participation and engagement. It suggests that we must t...

Kottu, also known as Kottu Roti, is a popular Sri Lankan street food dish made with shredded roti or flatbread, mixed with various ingredients like vegetables, eggs, meat, and spices. Origin of Kottu Roti is believed to have originated in Batticaloa, a city in eastern Sri Lanka. It was reportedly created as a way to use up leftover roti, transforming it into a flavorful dish. The distinct sound of metal blades chopping the ingredients on a hot griddle or iron skillet is a trademark of the unique preparation of Kottu. Chefs use two metal spatulas or cleavers to rhythmically chop and mix the ingredients together, creating a symphony of sizzling sounds. While the most common version includes chicken or beef, various regional and individual preferences have led to a wide range of Kottu varieties. Some may include seafood, cheese, or even vegetarian options with paneer, tofu, soya or even chickpeas. But the one now known and infamous Police Kottu is a totally different story, and to deal wi...

In the nurturing hands of parents lies the power to shape a child's mind, fostering creativity, innovation, and the courage to challenge the status quo.  The best gift parents can bestow upon their children is not material possessions, but rather the freedom to think freely, differently, and big.  This invaluable gift empowers children to explore the vast expanse of their imagination, to question conventional wisdom, and to dream beyond the confines of societal expectations. Free thinking, the cornerstone of intellectual growth, allows children to break free from the shackles of conformity and embrace the power of their own minds.  It encourages them to question assumptions, to challenge norms, and to seek answers that lie beyond the surface.  By nurturing free-thinking, parents instil in their children the confidence to voice their unique perspectives, to challenge conventional thinking, and to contribute meaningfully to the world around them. Differentiated thin...

The character Granma is the epitome of Cherokee wisdom in the book “The Education of Little Tree”. She is a compassionate, caring, and knowledgeable woman who instils in Little Tree a deep respect for the natural world and the Cherokee way of life. Through her teachings, she helps Little Tree to develop a strong sense of identity and purpose. "The Education of Little Tree" is a novel written by Asa Earl "Forrest" Carter, originally published in 1976. The book is presented as a memoir and tells the story of a young boy named Little Tree, who was orphaned and raised by his Cherokee grandparents in the Appalachian mountains during the 1930s. Little Tree's grandmother, who is referred to as "Granma" in the story, plays a significant role in imparting Cherokee wisdom and cultural knowledge to him. Granma is portrayed as a wise and nurturing figure who teaches Little Tree many valuable lessons about life, nature, spirituality, and the Cherokee way of living....

The allure of a message in a bottle washed ashore has captivated the human imagination for centuries.  It's a trope that has been portrayed in literature, movies, and countless folktales. The idea of a solitary message, cast adrift on the vast ocean, seeking an unknown recipient, carries an air of mystery and romance.  In recent years, two remarkable real-life incidents have breathed life into this timeless tradition, reaffirming the belief that fate and chance play a vital role in our lives. The first incident occurred in 2018 when a bottle containing a letter penned by a German sailor in 1864 was discovered on the rugged coast of Australia.  The second event took place in 2015 when a bottle containing a message written by a French couple in 1912 washed ashore in the Netherlands.  Both of these stories are a testament to the incredible journeys messages in bottles can undertake, often defying the odds to reach their intended recipients or their descendants. The ...

In December 1979, during the first Test match between Australia and England at the WACA Ground in Perth, Australian fast bowler Dennis Lillee walked out to bat with an unconventional bat made of metal. The bat was called the ComBat and was manufactured by a friend of Lillee's. It was made of hollow aluminium and was much lighter and stronger than traditional wooden bats. His decision to use the metal bat was met with immediate controversy. England captain Mike Brearley complained to the umpires that the bat was damaging the ball and giving Lillee an unfair advantage. The umpires initially allowed Lillee to continue using the bat, but after a 15-minute delay, they asked him to switch to a wooden bat. Lillee complied, but not before throwing his metal bat away in disgust. The incident sparked a debate about the use of new technology in cricket. Some people argued that the metal bat was a dangerous innovation that could lead to serious injuries. Others argued that it was simply a new...

This morning I was heading home after my morning walk and saw a family with a small child trying to cross the road. The mother let go of her child’s hand and urged him to hurry. I could not help but think, Is that the correct way to cross a busy road and, more importantly, to teach a young child how to do it correctly? This write-up was made after observing the incident, and luckily there was no incident and very light traffic on the road due to the weekend morning. Crossing the road safely is essential to avoid accidents and ensure your personal safety.  Here are some safe techniques to adopt when crossing the road and things you should avoid: Safe Techniques for Crossing the Road: 1 . Use Crosswalks:   Whenever possible, use designated crosswalks and pedestrian crossings.  These areas are designed for safe pedestrian passage. If there is no pedestrian crossing, cross at a well-lit intersection where you have a good view of traffic in all directions. Wait for a safe g...

After repeated dismal performances by Sri Lankan cricketers, everybody talks about Sri Lanka Cricket, how bad the players' performances are, and how corrupt its officials are on social media platforms. I have not played much serious cricket in my life, and simply because of that, some call us the “keyboard cricketers”. I gave up watching Sri Lanka Cricket after what happened at the 2010 World Cup final and have had no interest in the game whatsoever after that, knowing all matches are fixed in some way. But when those who carry the country's name and do things to tarnish it, whether you are a hardball player or not, and whatever the name was given to us, I think our voices should not be stifled and we should not hesitate to express our feelings and opinions. I remember some decades ago, one Sri Lankan politician wanted to enter the cricket board, but the rule barred him because he had not played club cricket. A few days later, I saw him on the field in full attire, and he was ...

Storytelling is an ancient art form that has captivated human minds and hearts for millennia. It has the power to transport us to different worlds, ignite our emotions, and leave a lasting impact.  While some may believe that storytelling is a talent one is either born with or not, the truth is that anyone can master this magnificent art form with a few fine-tuning techniques. Let us now explore the art of storytelling, with an emphasis on selecting intriguing topics, maintaining brevity, mastering punch lines, and using metaphor and double meanings effectively. Choosing an Intriguing Topic One of the fundamental aspects of storytelling is the selection of an intriguing topic. The topic serves as the foundation of your narrative, and the more engaging it is, the more likely your audience will be captivated. The selection of the topic should be influenced by personal experiences, passions, or themes that resonate with the audience. This can be a personal anecdote, a historical ev...