𝑾𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒐𝒇 𝑾𝒂𝒊𝒍 ( දුක් ගන්නා රාළ )

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The recent tragedy involving a train collision that killed three elephants and derailed carriages along the Batticaloa-bound night train has sparked an intense outcry on social media. In response, the railway authority’s decision to run trains on that line only during the day appears to be more reactive than strategic. While it may appease online critics, it overlooks the deeper issue at hand and sets a worrisome precedent for decision-making based on social media pressures rather than thoughtful, long-term solutions. Limiting train operations to daylight hours may seem like an immediate fix, but it's far from practical or sustainable. Such a change will inevitably disrupt schedules, affect freight deliveries, and impact communities that rely on these transport services. Economically, this shift could be detrimental to regions dependent on nighttime rail operations, as increasing the number of carriages to offset the loss of commercial capacity isn’t feasible with the current ...

Negative inflation means that the general price level of goods and services in an economy is falling over time.  This is the opposite of inflation, where prices rise.  It's also known as deflation . Why might a country report negative inflation? Economic slowdown: If the economy is slowing down, people may spend less, leading to a decrease in demand for goods and services. This can cause businesses to lower prices to attract customers. Increased productivity: If businesses become more efficient at producing goods and services, they can lower their costs and pass those savings on to consumers in the form of lower prices. Currency appreciation: If a country's currency becomes stronger compared to other currencies, it can make imported goods cheaper, leading to lower prices for consumers. Can negative inflation be maintained? Maintaining negative inflation can be challenging and can even be harmful to an economy.  If people expect prices to kee...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A " triple hat-trick " in cricket refers to an extraordinary achievement where a bowler takes four wickets in four consecutive deliveries. While the term "hat-trick" typically refers to taking three wickets with three successive balls, a "triple hat-trick" extends that by one more ball and wicket. It is an extremely rare feat in cricket due to the difficulty of dismissing four batsmen in as many consecutive deliveries. Some people may informally use the term "triple hat-trick" to describe even more consecutive dismissals (e.g., five wickets in five balls), but technically, the term applies to four in four. No cricketer has ever officially achieved a "triple hat-trick" (four wickets in four consecutive deliveries) in an international match. However, there have been several instances where bowlers have come close by taking hat-tricks or even four wickets in five balls. Here are a few notable achievements related to multiple wickets in sho...

 

Nominating a visually impaired candidate in an election is a progressive move that reflects inclusivity and a commitment to diversity. However, such a decision comes with both pros and cons and if the person is voted in, certain preparations will be necessary to ensure they can fulfill their role effectively. Pros 1. Promotes exclusivity and representation: Nominating a visually impaired person sends a powerful message about the importance of diversity in politics. It highlights the value of providing representation to people with disabilities and shows that barriers to participation can be overcome. 2. Advocacy for disability rights: A candidate with firsthand experience of living with a disability is likely to be a strong advocate for policies that support the disabled community. This could lead to more inclusive public policies and improvements in accessibility across the country. 3. Challenges societal biases: Electing someone with a visual impairment can help shift public ...

 

The recent appointment of a former Sri Lanka Air Force chief as the Chairman of Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) (Private) Limited, the state-run airport management company, has been the subject of much debate. While it may seem like a newsworthy event, in reality, it follows a long-established pattern of selecting top military personnel for civilian roles. This practice, however, raises several questions. First, the company is registered as a "Private" entity, yet government influence over decision-making appears as strong as ever. How private can it truly be when the government retains control over its leadership appointments? More troubling is the broader implication of bringing in an outsider, someone who, while distinguished in his chosen field, is not very familiar with the intricacies of managing a specialized organization like Airport and Aviation Services. Why isn't there a system in place to groom leaders from within the company? Many successful private...

 

The Nine Arches Bridge in Ella, Sri Lanka, recently made headlines again, and it's an opportune moment to share a personal story connected to it.  During our daughter's recent visit to Sri Lanka, she and a friend decided to explore Ella, a common destination for many tourists.  They bought tickets for the train, like most travellers, intending to disembark at Ella. During their journey, a railway security officer, who also doubled as a ticket checker, approached them, seemingly to inspect their tickets.  Discovering that their journey was to end in Ella, he made an unsolicited suggestion: “Why not continue to the next station?  The train will stop on the Nine Arches Bridge for at least 10 minutes, and you can take as many photos as you like.” My daughter, always one to follow the rules, pointed out that their tickets were valid only up to Ella and not for Demodara, the station beyond the bridge.  The officer replied, “We can allow you to continue, but it will co...

 

Sri Lanka’s current Prime Minister, who holds a PhD in Anthropology, has sparked conversations on social media, where many are hailing her as the most academically qualified leader in the nation's history.  Indeed, the fact is irrefutable, but it raises a broader, more nuanced question: Is there a direct correlation between academic qualifications and political success? The debate over what makes a politician successful is as old as politics itself, but education is often brought into the discussion.  Does possessing a prestigious degree guarantee good governance?  Does academic prowess naturally translate into political effectiveness? Looking back at our own history, the answer seems to be far from straightforward. Sri Lanka gave the world its first female Prime Minister, Mrs. Sirima Bandaranaike, who held only a Junior School Certificate (JSC).  Her supporters, especially those aligned with leftist ideologies, argue that she was one of the most successful leaders t...

 

Some supporters of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) may feel personally attacked when their party's missteps are highlighted, but this isn’t about revenge. It’s about truth and accountability. The JVP is not part of the solution to our country's problems, largely because of their controversial history. Their attempt to overthrow a democratically elected government during the 1971 uprising resulted in the deaths of thousands and significant property damage. While some may romanticize this as a class struggle, I see it more as a caste struggle. Just look at the backgrounds of the first 20 JVP members who were brought before the courts. Moreover, the JVP's history is tainted by its opportunism. They've propped up three corrupt regimes in exchange for positions and favours. While the exact amounts of money that changed hands are known to only a few, businessman Dudley Sirisena recently hinted at such dealings. So, if anyone believes the JVP can transform this country i...