King Sasanka – Sri Lankan Writer & Retired Aviation Professional.

 

Tired of hunting for that ‘perfect niche’ that nobody else has tapped into? You’re not alone. Thousands of aspiring content creators stall at this very point, waiting for the magical idea that will make them go viral. But what if the key isn’t in the niche – but in solving problems people actually care about? In this post, you’ll discover how becoming a problem-solver can help you grow faster, build trust, and create content that keeps working long after it's published. The Niche Trap: Why It Holds So Many Back Are you a small-time content creator struggling to gain traction in a sea of established voices? If you’ve been obsessing over finding the perfect, untouched niche, you’re not alone. Many aspiring creators believe this is the key to a head start. While there’s nothing inherently wrong with identifying a niche, the reality is that many traditional areas are oversaturated, with "big-timer" creators commanding the lion’s share of attention. Instead of fightin...

The Power of Shameless Cloning | Smart Investing Strategy The Power of Shameless Cloning: How Smart Investors Build Wealth by Copying Strategically 💡 What If You Didn’t Have to Start from Scratch? The stock market is often portrayed as a battlefield for lone geniuses—those who find hidden gems before the rest of us even notice. But here’s a secret: even some of the most successful investors don’t always start from zero. They copy —smartly, ethically, and strategically. Welcome to the concept of Shameless Cloning . Popularized by legendary value investor Mohnish Pabrai , this strategy has helped countless investors reduce noise, improve focus, and boost returns. 🔍 What Is Shameless Cloning? Shameless cloning means observing what high-performing investors are buying, understanding their reasoning, and using that knowledge to guide your own research. It’s not about blindly copying. It’s about learning from the best ...

How to Read a Company’s Balance Sheet: A Practical Checklist for Stock Market Investors in Sri Lanka If you've been investing in the Colombo Stock Market using your instincts and a good read of company news—like I have for over three decades—this article is for you. Even without formal training in accounting or finance, understanding a company's balance sheet can help you spot strong stocks, avoid hidden risks, and make better-informed decisions. This checklist is designed for Sri Lankan investors who want a simple, practical approach to assess a company’s past performance and likely future trajectory, using just the publicly available audited financial statements . I. How to Tell if a Company Performed Well Assets vs. Liabilities: Total Assets > Total Liabilities indicates solvency and financial strength. Shareholder Equity Growth: Rising equity over time means profits are being reinvested, not just paid out. Return on Equity (ROE): Net Profit / Shareho...

How to Preserve Family Wealth Across Generations in Sri Lanka Lessons from Our Fading Business Legacies 🟡 Introduction In Sri Lanka, many once-thriving family businesses—such as Salgado Bakery, Pudding House, Bake House, and City Pharmacy—have quietly disappeared from the commercial map. These enterprises, once symbols of local success, often faltered after being passed on to the next generation. Why do so many promising family businesses in Sri Lanka fail to survive succession? And more importantly, what can we learn from these patterns to preserve family wealth and legacy across generations? 🔍 Understanding Why Family Businesses Fail 1. Lack of Succession Planning and Business Education Founders often focus on building their businesses but neglect to prepare their children to carry the mantle. Successors may lack the training, industry knowledge, or leadership experience needed, resulting in mismanagement or stagnation. 2. Shift in Values and Career Priorities With grea...

Why Beating Inflation Is Key to Wealth Inflation is one of the greatest threats to your financial future. As it silently eats away at your savings, the only way to secure lasting wealth is to grow your money faster than inflation can devalue it.  This article explores the smartest investment strategies, from personal development to real estate and the stock market, that can help you beat inflation and achieve real financial independence. Why Saving Alone Isn’t Enough Many people believe that saving alone will lead to wealth. While saving is an essential first step, it isn’t enough to make you truly financially free. Savings provide the foundation, but they are just the beginning. To build lasting wealth, you must actively invest your savings in legitimate, high-return avenues that outpace inflation. Smart Investment Strategies That Work 💡 1. Invest in Yourself Enhancing your skills, education, and expertise can significantly boost your earning potential. Whether it's ...

The recent decision by Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Transport to enforce mandatory seat belt use on expressways marks a significant stride toward reducing road fatalities and serious injuries. This policy, which takes effect in July 2025 for bus drivers and will be gradually extended to all passengers , reflects global best practices and aligns with international safety standards.  To maximize the impact of this regulation, a comprehensive approach addressing technical, operational, educational, and enforcement aspects is essential. Mandatory Technical Specifications for Effective Seat Belts Effective seat belts must comply with internationally recognized technical standards to ensure occupant safety. According to the United Nations Regulation No. 16, an approved seat belt must: Bear a type approval mark, including a capital "E" in a circle indicating certification by an authorized country. Undergo rigorous testing for strength, durability, and compatibili...

Mere days after the reported bombing of Iranian nuclear facilities by the United States, an event widely expected to trigger a surge in global oil prices, the market responded with an unexpected twist. Instead of spiking, crude oil prices initially dropped by a surprising 7.5% , eventually stabilising at a 7% reduction . Even now, prices remain around 5% lower than pre-incident levels, which should have brought relief to oil-importing countries like Sri Lanka . But in a puzzling move, the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC),  Sri Lanka’s chronically loss-making, state-owned petroleum refiner and distributor, announced a sharp fuel price hike in their month-end revision. The price of 92 Octane petrol and diesel was increased, flying in the face of global oil market trends and public expectations. The CPC justified the price hike by citing “unsettled conditions in the Middle East.” However, this explanation collapses under scrutiny. The Strait of Hormuz , a vital route for oil ...

Is Hitchhiking Common in Sri Lanka? Hitchhiking in Sri Lanka is not a typical practice among locals. For most Sri Lankans, the idea of thumbing a ride from strangers is unfamiliar and rarely seen. Public buses, tuk-tuks, and trains are the go-to transport options for locals, even in rural areas. Culturally, hitchhiking is “nearly an unknown concept” on the island. Why Tourists Succeed at Hitchhiking Despite the unfamiliarity of the practice among locals, many foreign travellers—particularly Westerners or “ suddhas ” (a colloquial Sinhala term for white people)—find hitchhiking surprisingly easy and effective in Sri Lanka. Drivers are often curious about travellers and may stop simply to have a conversation or hear a good story. The interactions are usually warm and welcoming, with many travellers describing it as a unique and enriching cultural exchange. However, long, continuous rides are rare. You’re more likely to hop from one short ride to another, as most drivers only travel p...

  Public vs. Private Sector in Sri Lanka: A Personal Tale of Service and Accountability Public vs. Private Sector in Sri Lanka: A Personal Tale of Service and Accountability In Sri Lanka, the gap between the private and public sectors is more than just structural — it's a difference in mindset, urgency, and responsibility. Last Thursday, I experienced this contrast firsthand through two striking encounters: one with a private tea company that went above and beyond, and the other with the public railway department, where safety concerns were met with silence. These incidents offer a revealing look into how responsiveness defines trust and efficiency in our systems. A Cup of Tea and a Quick Response My morning started with a dreadful cup of plain tea — a new brand we had decided to try from a local supermarket. It tasted strongly of dried coconut leaves, far from the soothing brew I’d hoped for. Frustrated, I called the customer serv...

Have you ever poured hours into crafting a meaningful, well-researched YouTube video, only to watch it underperform? Meanwhile, a simpler, more casual upload gains traction overnight. You're not alone. In today’s fast-paced digital world, content timing and viewer intent can make or break a video. This blog explores why your “best” videos might be overlooked and how to align your content strategy for long-term success. Why Great Videos Sometimes Fail You pour your heart and soul into creating a detailed, valuable video, only to see disappointing views a few days later. At the same time, another video you posted—one with less in-depth content—gains significantly more traction. You might wonder what went wrong. Often, the answer lies in timing and viewer intent . The Cheeseburger vs. Michelin Star Analogy Most people turn to social media to unwind and relax. Think of it like this: If someone is craving a quick, satisfying cheeseburger, they’re unlikely to be drawn to a Miche...

Landing your dream job starts long before you walk into the interview room.  Whether you’re a recent graduate or a young professional aiming for a career-changing position, preparing for a high-stakes job interview is crucial to your success.  This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know, from dressing professionally and arriving on time to mastering your communication skills and following up effectively.  Read on to discover proven strategies that will help you stand out and impress your future employer. Here’s a detailed guide: 1. Presentation: How to Dress In-Person Interviews: Dress formally, even if the company's culture is casual. A suit (for men) or a formal blouse and blazer with tailored pants/skirt (for women) is generally safe. Grooming: Neatly styled hair, clean nails, polished shoes, and minimal jewellery or fragrance. Clothing Fit & Condition: Ensure clothes are well-fitting, clean, and wrinkle-free. Online Interviews: Dress the same as yo...

Are you pouring your heart into YouTube videos but getting only a trickle of views? If you're a small-time creator struggling to grow, you're not alone.  Many beginners unknowingly make critical mistakes that hurt their channel's performance and visibility.  In this article, we’ll uncover the most common errors small YouTubers make, from misusing social shares to sabotaging watch time, and how you can turn things around using smart, organic growth strategies. Get the Basics Right First Before diving into what not to do, here are the essentials you must consistently get right: Niche Down: Focus on a topic with low competition that matches your interests and available resources. Catchy, SEO-Friendly Title: Use a title with strong search keywords to increase discoverability. Attention-Grabbing Thumbnail: Your thumbnail is your first impression, make it count!, Hook Them Early: A strong opening keeps viewers from clicking away in the first 10 seconds. Strategic Keywords: ...

Can having a dog or cat at home really help your child stay healthier?  According to growing scientific research, early exposure to household pets, especially dogs, can help strengthen kids’ immune systems, reduce allergies, and even lower the risk of asthma and obesity. In this article, we break down the science behind how pets can benefit children's health and what parents should know before bringing a furry friend home. How Pets Help Train a Child’s Immune System 1. Exposure to More Microbes Builds Immunity Pets, especially dogs and cats, bring a variety of bacteria and microbes into the home environment. When children are exposed to these microbes early in life, it helps train their immune systems to recognise and handle different germs, making them less likely to develop allergies and certain autoimmune conditions later on. This concept is sometimes called the “mini-farm effect,” based on studies showing that children raised ar...