𝑾𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒐𝒇 𝑾𝒂𝒊𝒍 ( දුක් ගන්නා රාළ )

Have you ever wondered what makes a perfume so captivating? Isn't it like a symphony for your nose, composed of what we call 'fragrance notes' Think of them as the different melodies that play out as a scent unfolds on your skin. There are three notes. The Top Note, Middle or Heart note and finally the Base note. First, you have the top notes. These are the bright, zesty, and often volatile scents that hit you immediately upon application. They're the first impression—think of sparkling citrus like lemon and bergamot, crisp green notes, or light, airy florals.  Top notes are designed to grab your attention, but they're also the first to fade, usually within the first 15 minutes to an hour. As the top notes mellow, the heart notes, also known as the middle notes, begin to emerge. This is the core of the fragrance, the main theme. Heart notes are usually more rounded and full-bodied, lasting for several hours. You'll often find floral notes like rose, jasmine, and...

Imagine the scene: the first blush of dawn painting the sky, and a mendicant, his face etched with wisdom, raising his simple begging bowl towards the nascent sun. His gaze is intense, seemingly imbued with reverence. His junior followers, eyes wide with respect, absorb this daily ritual, their young minds accepting it as an intrinsic part of their spiritual practice. They emulate their guru, each morning mirroring his actions, their own bowls lifted in silent homage to the celestial orb. Yet, within their hearts, a question remains unspoken, a 'why' that never finds voice in the face of such perceived piety. Then arrives the outsider, the wise observer unburdened by the weight of their nascent tradition. His simple query, "Why do you do this?" pierces the veil of unquestioning acceptance. The mendicant's reply, delivered with unflinching directness, shatters the illusion of profound worship. A practical necessity, a flaw in his humble vessel, lay at the heart of ...

Last night, on our way home after a rare dinner out, we narrowly missed being part of a multi-car accident. Someone had been driving erratically. Naturally, like many others at the scene, I assumed the driver was drunk or high. Two young men from another vehicle weren’t restrained; they pulled him out and started hitting him. A young guy, probably in his mid-20s, was trying his best to shield himself while being accused and beaten. As the crowd began to scatter, something told me to stay. I walked over. He wasn’t drunk. He wasn’t under the influence of anything. He was just... exhausted. He was driving for Uber or PickMe on his way to pick up a ride. He admitted, with a soft voice and eyes full of fatigue, that he had fallen asleep at the wheel. Just tired. Nothing more. I checked to see if he had any serious injuries and gently asked him to cancel the ride and go home. Rest, I told him. Please don’t risk your life or someone else’s because your body has had enough. Driving home, I cou...

ATERCEL Workout Gloves for Men and Women, Exercise Gloves for Weight Lifting, Cycling, Gym, Training, Breathable and Snug fit. About this item Innovative Palm Design Maximizes Your Grip: We researched how hundreds of people use workout gloves to enhance our ergonomic design, leverage the muscle direction and placement and optimize grip functionality, all to bring you a better glove. The result protects your hands from calluses, reduces friction discomfort, all while still maintaining a strong grip on what you are holding onto. Unrivaled Comfort: Atercel workout gloves is made of lightweight, breathable and stretchy material to increase flexibility, comfort and fit. Ideal for general workout, weight lifting, exercise, gym training and cycling. Size for Success: This exercise glove is a snug-fit design. We offer 5 different sizes for you to maximize effectiveness (XSmall: 6.3 to 6.9 inches; Small: 6.9 to 7.5 inches; Medium: 7.5 to 8.1 inches; Large: 8.1 to 8.9 inches; XLarge: 8.9 to 9.6...

In today's digital age, the line between privacy and surveillance is increasingly blurred. Recent experiences have left me wondering: are our conversations being monitored, and if so, by whom and for what purpose? This phenomenon is not limited to mobile phones; it seems to permeate various aspects of our lives, including online interactions and even our cars. Let's delve into the world of surveillance and explore how it affects us, whether it's for security or commercial reasons, and how we can potentially turn this trend to our advantage. The Surveillance Landscape Mobile Phones and Surveillance Mobile phones are a prime target for surveillance. Technologies like StingRay devices can mimic cell towers, intercepting data and communications from nearby phones without users' knowledge. Additionally, cellphone spying software can monitor conversations, texts, and even activate microphones remotely. However, these methods are typically used by law enforcement or require ph...

This morning, while out shopping, I made a few observations that prompted me to reflect on the current sentiment in our community. On typical national holidays, it’s common to see vehicles adorned with national flags, a symbol of pride and celebration. This year, however, I noticed a stark contrast. Three-wheelers and private buses, which often display multiple flags, seemed to be less enthusiastic in their decorations. Instead of the usual vibrant display, only a handful of these vehicles showcased a single flag, if any. It raises an interesting point about how collective sentiment can shift over time. Some might argue that people tend to see only what aligns with their own perspectives, echoing the notion that "you only see what you want to see." Yet, it’s hard to ignore the palpable absence of the celebratory spirit that usually characterizes such days. This observation extends beyond mere aesthetics; it speaks to a broader sentiment in our society. Many residents may be f...

The Endearing Allure of the Underdog: More Than Just a Bet The term "underdog" evokes images of scrappy competitors, facing seemingly insurmountable odds, yet persevering with grit and determination.  It's a concept deeply ingrained in our cultural consciousness, resonating with our innate desire to witness the triumph of the underdog.  But what does "underdog" truly mean, where did the term originate, and why do so many find themselves rooting for them, sometimes even putting their money where their mouth is? Defining the Underdog: At its core, an underdog is an individual or group expected to lose.  They are the ones perceived as weaker, less-resourced, or less likely to succeed compared to their opponent.  This perceived disadvantage can stem from various factors, including lack of experience, financial constraints, societal biases, or simply being outmatched in terms of skill or resources.  It’s important to note that the “underdog” status is often assig...

The Truth Behind the Titles The issue of fake academic qualifications to gain undue favour and attention is dominating public discourse today.  Whether it's fake credentials or merely fake news, I am not in a position to determine. The first casualty of this controversy was the former Speaker of the House, Mr. Ranwala.  When social media articles questioned the legitimacy of his doctoral title, he promptly submitted his resignation.  Was it a voluntary decision, or was he coerced into stepping down?  Again, I leave that for others to decide. What followed was significant: his "Doctor" title was removed from the Parliament website.  Some blame a "Trojan horse" left by the previous regime for this act.  But the real intrigue lies elsewhere—how did the title disappear from his professional and personal social media accounts?  Was his account hacked, or did he quietly remove the title himself? If a "Trojan horse" and a hacker were at play, this points to a...

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 ...

In the annals of history, certain nations have garnered attention not just for their unique geopolitical positions but for the so-called charismatic leaders who rose to power and captured the hearts of their people. North Korea, Zimbabwe, Cuba, and Venezuela stand as prime examples. These countries, rich in both natural and human resources, were led by individuals who, in their time, were hailed as revolutionary figures, and visionaries who promised prosperity, justice, and dignity to their people. Yet today, these nations are often categorized as failed states, grappling with economic despair, social unrest, and international isolation. The question arises: Were these leaders not as charismatic as they were portrayed, or did the systems they adopted inherently doomed their countries to failure? Perhaps the answer lies in a combination of both. The Charismatic Leaders Charisma, in the political context, refers to a leader's ability to inspire and mobilize a populace, often through ...

In the digital age, textual communication has grown into a complex tapestry of symbols, images, and emoticons that convey emotions and nuances.  Emojis, which are little graphical representations of emotions or thoughts, have become an essential component of our daily communication.  However, despite their seeming simplicity, emojis can occasionally cause confusion and misinterpretation, reflecting the complex dynamics of language in the modern era. Ambiguity in Emojis: Emojis are intended to add emotional context to text messages by providing a visual complement to the textual word.  Nonetheless, the same simplicity that makes emoticons effective can also lead to uncertainty.  Different users may assign different meanings to the same emoji, causing uncertainty in interpretation. Cultural Variations: They are, like languages, do not have a universal understanding.  Cultural nuances are important for interpreting the intended meaning of an emoji. What is cons...

After repeated dismal performances by Sri Lankan cricketers, everybody talks about Sri Lanka Cricket, how bad the players' performances are, and how corrupt its officials are on social media platforms. I have not played much serious cricket in my life, and simply because of that, some call us the “keyboard cricketers”. I gave up watching Sri Lanka Cricket after what happened at the 2010 World Cup final and have had no interest in the game whatsoever after that, knowing all matches are fixed in some way. But when those who carry the country's name and do things to tarnish it, whether you are a hardball player or not, and whatever the name was given to us, I think our voices should not be stifled and we should not hesitate to express our feelings and opinions. I remember some decades ago, one Sri Lankan politician wanted to enter the cricket board, but the rule barred him because he had not played club cricket. A few days later, I saw him on the field in full attire, and he was ...

Kopi Luwak, often called "civet coffee," is renowned as the world's most exclusive and expensive coffee.  Its extraordinary price tag is primarily attributed to the unique and somewhat controversial method of production.  This coffee, originating from Indonesia, involves a process wherein coffee cherries are consumed by the Asian palm civet, partially digested, and later excreted. While this distinctive method has garnered Kopi Luwak international attention, it has also raised ethical and environmental concerns. History of Kopi Luwak Kopi Luwak has a long history dating back to the Dutch colonial era in Indonesia. Civets were originally used to select the best coffee beans, as they would consume the ripest cherries.  The beans found in their feces were gathered by farmers and became the precursor to what we now know as Kopi Luwak.  Over time, the unique flavour profile created by the civet's digestive enzymes and fermentation process contributed to the coffee's...

My father had a good friend, not only a friend but a close relative of his from the same village, and he was working in the postal department. He was a very gentle and soft-spoken person with a mop of grey hair that gave him the look of a feared Mafia Don. He stayed with us for a couple of months when he was posted to the Colombo main office, which was located in front of the president’s residence. We used to call him PC Mama, and one day when we were talking and mocking the inaccurate predictions made by the meteorological department over the radio (no TV then), he broke the silence and asked us, “Do you know why they are so inaccurate?” Then he told us about one of his own experiences while working as the postmaster in the Galle post office. One day he was approached by someone well-dressed, and based on his looks, he was in the civil service too and asked whether he could help the other gentlemen. Being the very gentle and humble person he was, he agreed to help. Then he was given a...

We spent last weekend on Delft Island , which was a great destination to visit with many historical sites and things to see. However, the terrible part was that authorities had a lax approach to protecting and maintaining them for posterity. Many of these locations have been vandalized with people's initials carved on them. Those fools who thought that putting their silly initials on historically significant places and items would make them more appealing to visitors were horribly mistaken. The policeman stopped two inebriated residents from boarding the returning launch, which was operated by the RDA and Sri Lankan naval forces. There is nothing wrong with doing such things in terms of safety and security, but what are they doing to prevent vandals from having a field day on Delft Island? There is nothing. Except for locals, all other visitors are escorted and accompanied by at least one local driver, and if the authorities are serious about preventing further damage...

  Hedging and boosting are two strategies commonly used in academic writing to convey certainty or uncertainty about information, support claims, and maintain a balanced and persuasive tone. They are important because they help writers engage with their readers by providing a nuanced understanding of the research and arguments presented. Here's a detailed explanation of hedging and boosting and how to use them effectively in your academic writing: Hedging: Definition: Hedging involves expressing uncertainty or caution in your writing. It allows you to acknowledge potential limitations, alternative interpretations, or the possibility of exceptions to your claims. Importance: Hedging is important in academic writing because it demonstrates a critical and reflective approach to your research. It shows that you have considered different perspectives and are not making absolute claims. Examples of Hedging: Using modal verbs like "may," "might,...

How to encourage and execute green practices among employees. Set clear goals and expectations. What do we want your employees to do in terms of environmental sustainability? Once we understand the objectives only, we can properly explain them to our personnel and ensure that they understand their role in attaining them. Provide training and education. Assist employees in understanding the significance of environmental sustainability and the specific green practices that we want them to embrace. This training can be formal or informal, and it can be offered through workshops, seminars, or online courses. Make it easy for your staff to adopt green practices. Remove any obstacles that may make it difficult for employees to change their behaviour. Make sure that recycling bins are easily accessible and that there are plenty of possibilities to compost, for example. Encourage and reward green behaviour. Let staff know that their efforts to go green are appreciated....

They (politicians) go around begging and trying to convince the public that they are doing it for the good of the public by bringing developments to the land.  This is the story that we have been hearing for more than seven decades and shows me if any such developments in this land.  Only two people in the society developed beyond anyone's wildest imagination.  They are the politicians and their cohorts only.  Now we are left with only three options.  The first one is to fight back, but it is very remote because most Sri Lankans are timid.  The second is to do nothing and take hardships in our strides.  The last is to join them and plunder.  At least based on past activities, we know that no one will ever be prosecuted in Sri Lanka for doing that.

In a WhatsApp group, we were discussing how public property is being misappropriated by many, including those in uniform and not only politicians. How military-assigned vehicles are being used to transport kids of military personnel attending Colombo city schools and an open comment I made ("අම්මා යුද්දේ තියෙන්නේ කොළඹද නැත්නම් උතුරේද?") after seeing many such vehicles waiting at one of the city schools and how a low-ranking officer gave me a scornful look after hearing it was mentioned in the chat, and someone in the same group later sent me a private message, which I have quoted below; Being an ex-Air Force officer, during the war era, the majority of us were in operational areas and we were unable to attend to our family matters. We did our role there in a peaceful mind knowing that our family is well looked after by the government, especially our kids' schooling. Please note that I am referring to the war era only. ඒ කාලේ අපි ගෙදර එන්නේ මාස 3-4 කට සැරයක්. And this was ...