King Sasanka – Sri Lankan Writer & Retired Aviation Professional.

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...

A SriLankan Airbus A320-200 , registration 4R-ABM performing flight UL-306 from Colombo (Sri Lanka) to Singapore (Singapore), was en route and climbing through FL340 over the Indian Ocean in Indonesian Airspace when the crew received an indication of the F/O anti-ice systems having failed, together with a Pitot Standby message. The crew worked the related procedures, contacted dispatch and continued the flight. After passing the ETOPS exit point, the aircraft dropped into Alternate Law With autopilot and autothrust off, NAV ADR disagree and unreliable airspeed. The crew worked the related ECAM procedures and used the unreliable airspeed procedures, declared PAN PAN and requested a block altitude between FL330 and  FL350 and received a block clearance between FL300 and FL350. While maintaining FL330, the crew received an overspeed and a stall warning. The crew performed the stall recovery procedure, declared Mayday, and requested vectors to Medan (Indonesia), where the a...

Can sleep make you rich?  It might sound strange, but the link between restful sleep, clear decision-making, and financial independence is stronger than most people think. In this post, we’ll explore how better sleep habits, passive income streams, and a calm mind can help you achieve lasting wealth, even while you sleep. What if I told you that you could actually wake up tomorrow morning a little bit richer than you are right now?  Seriously. No, this isn't some crazy dream, and I'm definitely not talking about a get-rich-quick scheme. This is all about smart, passive investing, and it’s a game-changer, especially for young adults. If you think wealth is just for the old folks or people born rich, think again! Today, we're diving into how you can make your money work for you, around the clock, 24/7, even while you're asleep. Now, get this: if your money is just sitting in a savings account, it's actually losing a bit of its punch every single day, thanks to inflati...

Growing a YouTube channel as a small vlogger or blogger can be rewarding and challenging, especially when reaching monetisation thresholds like watch hours. Drawing from experience and research, here are actionable tips and common pitfalls to help fellow creators avoid setbacks and maximise their growth. What Helps Grow Your Channel 1. Use Attention-Grabbing Titles Titles are your first impression—make them compelling and relevant to your video’s content. Position important keywords at the beginning to boost searchability and click-through rates. 2. Leverage Hashtags and SEO Keywords Strategically use SEO keywords in your titles, descriptions, and tags. Hashtags help categorise your content and make it discoverable to a wider audience. Stick to three relevant hashtags per video for best results. 3. Organise Content with Playlists Create playlists to encourage binge-watching. When one video ends, the next begins, increasing your total watch time and keeping viewers engaged...

What really makes flying safe?  A retired aviation professional shares insider truths about aircraft safety, pilot training, and risk perception in air travel. This source addresses common misconceptions surrounding aviation incidents and flight delays, aiming to provide an informed perspective.  

The recent crash of Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, has left the aviation world in shock and mourning.  With over 270 lives lost, including passengers and those on the ground, the incident has triggered a sweeping investigation by Indian and international authorities.  As speculation swirls on social media, ranging from pilot error to design flaws, here is a comprehensive summary of the leading theories and the current state of the investigation. Current Status of the Investigation Both the cockpit voice recorder (CVR) and flight data recorder (FDR)—collectively known as the "black boxes"—have been recovered and are being analysed by India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) with support from US and UK teams. The investigation is expected to be lengthy due to the extent of the wreckage and the complexity of the case. A high-level committee has been formed by the Indian g...

 Video credit to CSDS.

This video introduces the concept of "preference shares" and how they operate in the stock market.  We will explore the key attributes of "preferred stock dividends" and how they may impact your investment strategy.  Learn how "preferred stock" functions in this video!