King Sasanka – Sri Lankan Writer & Retired Aviation Professional.

When the Universe Steps In: A Story of Synchronicity, Compassion, and a Pair of Pre-Loved Gym Shoes There are moments in life when the universe seems to orchestrate events with uncanny precision. You make a small, ordinary decision, like upgrading your gym shoes after years of loyal service, and suddenly, you find yourself at the centre of a profound encounter. Was it mere coincidence, or a deliberate alignment of the cosmos? Let's explore how a simple act of letting go turned into a moment of pure human connection. The Impetus for Change My trusty gym shoes still had a few months, if not a full year, of structural integrity left in them. They had weathered countless resistance training sessions, heavy lifts, and miles of dedication. Yet, after years of faithful wear, I decided that a change was simply in order. I treated myself to a fresh pair, leaving the old ones sitting in the box, waiting to be initiated. But instead of tossing them into the bin, an instinct told me they deser...

Everyone seems to be jumping on the latest bandwagon — the rule that stops shops from giving plastic bags free of charge. So, I thought I’d jump on it too and toss in my two cents. First off, let me be clear: reducing the use of plastic bags — with or without handles — is a good thing. The environment needs all the help it can get. No argument there. But here’s what puzzles me: how on earth is charging for plastic bags supposed to reduce their use? If someone needs a bag, they’ll pay for it. A few rupees aren’t going to make anyone suddenly become eco-friendly. It just makes the customer pay for what used to be free. And then there are the pea-brains trying to give credit to the present government. Let’s be real — this wasn’t their bright idea. They were forced to act on a court order, not driven by environmental passion. My family and I have been using a couple of sturdy jute bags for our shopping for years — long before these latecomers even realized plastic was bad for th...