King Sasanka – Sri Lankan Writer & Retired Aviation Professional.

In the late 1970s and early 1980s, the Ceylon Shipping Corporation (CSC) was a symbol of national pride and economic independence. At its peak, the corporation operated a diverse fleet of 17 vessels, including eight conventional liners, eight container ships, and one oil tanker. Today, after decades of decline and the total disposal of that original fleet, the corporation operates just two modern bulk carriers. What led to the dismantling of a fleet that once commanded the sea lanes from Europe to Australia? The answer lies in a combination of "Beyond Economical Repair" (BER) status, radical shifts in global trade, and the unintended consequences of economic liberalization. 1. The "Golden Era" and the Fleet of 17 Following its inception in 1971, the CSC rapidly expanded. Supported by partners in Germany and China, the fleet included iconic names like the Mv. Lanka Rani and Mv. Lanka Devi . By 1980, the CSC became the first South Asian carrier to launch cont...

The fuel QR code and weekly quota system are currently in operation. Some users find it difficult to manage the week within their allocation, while others find the quota exceeds their requirements. Unfortunately, any remaining balance cannot be carried forward to the following week or collected in containers, a restriction largely based on safety and security concerns. I believe the application should include a feature allowing users to transfer their weekly allocation to another registered member. This could be done either as a bona fide gesture or through a marketplace where the recipient pays a surcharge (e.g., 5%) above the pump price. Alternatively, a bidding system could be implemented where the highest bidder secures the remaining quota. If the existing state-run application cannot support these features, a private platform could facilitate these trades, allowing high-demand users to refuel legally without hindrance. 1. Executive Summary The current National Fuel P...

For three decades, I worked overseas, sending hard-earned foreign exchange home during some of this country’s darkest hours. Those remittances weren't just personal savings; they were a lifeline for a nation embroiled in a civil war, a war we eventually won decisively. Now in retirement, I haven't sat back. We’ve taken steps to reduce our carbon footprint and ensure our own energy security. We bought a hybrid car and invested in solar panels for our roof. Today, we don’t owe the electricity board a cent; in fact, we produce what we need and sell the excess back to the national grid. So, when I hear calls for us to "switch off" our fans and lights to save the system, I find it hard to heed such requests. Our household is already a net producer. This isn't the late '80s. We are long past the era of "curfews by chit" and living in fear. Instead of asking citizens, who have already tightened their belts for a lifetime, to sacrifice more comfort, pe...

The Green Secret: Why Curry Leaves Are More Than Just a Garnish If you’ve ever enjoyed a South Indian meal, you’ve likely encountered those small, aromatic green leaves tucked into your dal or sambar.  While many people push them to the side of their plate like a discarded garnish, they are actually missing out on a powerhouse of flavor and wellness. Curry leaves ( Murraya koenigii ) are the unsung heroes of the kitchen, providing a sensory experience that is impossible to replicate with any other herb.   The Culinary Magic: Sizzle and Scent In South Indian cooking, curry leaves aren't just an ingredient; they are a ritual.  They are primarily used to enhance the aroma and taste of a dish.   The Technique: They are most effective when added to hot oil (a process known as tadka or tempering) at the start or end of cooking. This flash-frying releases their essential oils and characteristic citrusy, nutty, and slightly bitter flavor. The...

The Great Purge: Why Your Follower Count Drops When You’re Gaining New Follows (and Why That’s Good News!) Ever have one of those moments?  You’ve put effort into your content, you’ve posted consistently, and you’re thrilled to see a steady stream of "New Follower" notifications.  You feel a surge of pride, ready to celebrate a milestone number. But when you check your actual follower count... it’s lower than it was before. Or, it hasn't budged. Your heart sinks. "What am I doing wrong?" you might think. "Are my new followers leaving just as quickly? Is something broken?" Don’t panic. This is a incredibly common phenomenon, and the explanation is far more positive than you might think.  In fact, it's not a sign of failure—it's a sign of a healthier digital environment. To understand why this happens, we have to look past the raw numbers and understand who is behind those profiles.  The explanation lies in a clever analogy: your socia...