𝑾𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒐𝒇 𝑾𝒂𝒊𝒍 ( දුක් ගන්නා රාළ )

Yesterday, while out and about, we came across a restaurant in Bandaragama that boasted of serving  " ගලේ පුච්චපු රොටි" — roti prepared on a hot granite slab. Intrigued by their claims of a unique taste, different from the usual metal plate preparation, and having seen many romanticize the experience, we decided to stop by and give it a try. Unfortunately, our expectations were met with disappointment. The rotis were more akin to tortillas than the traditional Sri Lankan roti we know and love, which is typically made with freshly scraped coconut, chopped onions, green chillies, and curry leaves.  These essential flavours were notably absent.  As for the accompaniments — chicken curry gravy, mushrooms, lentils, and Kochchi sambal — they were ordinary at best, lacking the "wow" factor we were hoping for. To make matters worse, being charged Rs 100 for such an unremarkable roti felt almost sacrilegious.  The establishment also lacked basic amenities, such as toilet fac...

The simple act of paying a bus fare in Sri Lanka has become a perplexing puzzle. For a minimum fare of Rs 28, handing over a Rs 100 note results in a Rs 70 return. Where does the remaining Rs 2 disappear to? It's a question that has puzzled commuters and raised concerns about transparency and efficiency in public transportation. The answer lies in the antiquated cash-based system. The unaccounted-for Rs 2, while seemingly insignificant, represents a systemic inefficiency.  It neither benefits the loss-making Ceylon Transport Board (CTB) nor the passenger. This inefficiency is a stark reminder of the need for a modern, electronic payment system. Such a system would not only ensure accurate fare calculation but also streamline revenue collection. By eliminating the need for physical cash handling, service providers could reduce their operational costs and potentially decrease their reliance on subsidies. Moreover, electronic payments could help mitigate the risk of fare evasion, a si...