Triumph of good over evil Deepavali – Festival of lights – By Thulasi Muttulingam Source : sundayobserver The Hindu festival of lights, Deepavali is round the corner. It falls this year on Thursday, October 31. Deepavali in Sanskrit translates to rows of lit lamps – and that’s how it is celebrated across most of the Indian subcontinent. Sri Lankan Tamil Hindus are slightly different however. We reserve the rows of lamps for the festival of Karthigai Deepam, which follows soon after. Some Sri Lankan Hindu households however, have begun to celebrate it in the Indian style now. Light over darkness It is a festival celebrating the advent of light over darkness. According to local Hindu Lore, the demon king Narakasura was wrecking hell on earth and heaven. As his name indicates, he was known as the Asura (Demon) from Naraka (Hell). He had won a boon from God that none but ...
Read More →
Monthly Archives : October 2024
Understanding the Concept of Grace in the Christian Life – By eLanka Grace is one of the most profound and central themes in Christian theology. It reflects God’s unmerited favor and love toward humanity, offering redemption and spiritual renewal, not because we deserve it, but because of God’s boundless compassion. Understanding grace is essential for grasping the full scope of the Christian message of salvation, sanctification, and eternal life. 1. The Definition of Grace In its simplest form, grace can be defined as “unearned favor.” It is the benevolence of God bestowed upon individuals, regardless of their worthiness. According to Ephesians 2:8-9, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” This scripture highlights the essential Christian belief that salvation is a gift from God, not something achieved through ...
Read More →
Tourist arrivals surpass 63,000 in first half of October Source : dailymirror Sri Lanka welcomed 63,491 tourists in the first half of October, in continuing with the slowdown in tourist arrivals, ahead of the winter season, the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) data showed. From October 07 to 15, the tourist arrival average was 4169.4 tourists per day, down from the daily average of 4327.6 tourists during the first six days of the month but marginally up from 4071.3 tourists recorded for September this year. The tourist arrivals grew at the slowest pace in September, with a 9.11 percent year-on-year growth rate. The daily average of tourist arrivals for the first half of the month stood at 4232.73 tourists. India continued to account for the largest source of arrivals in the period, with 18,078 arrivals, followed by 4,504 and 4,495 arrivals from China and the UK. Germany, Russia and Australia ...
Read More →
A timeless gesture of humanity – By S. U. Silva Source : sundayobserver It’s easy to forget the age-old value of helping those in need. But the act of offering assistance—whether through money, advice, kind words, or teaching—remains one of the most key ways we can make a difference in another person’s life. This isn’t just about charitable donations or grand gestures; even the simplest acts of kindness have the power to transform not just the recipient, but also the giver. Communities have always survived and thrived on mutual support. Even in the modern era, where we are more interconnected than ever, the age-old lesson remains: no one truly succeeds alone. In fact, helping others often becomes the foundation for personal fulfillment and happiness. But more importantly, it is the glue that holds our society together, fostering empathy, understanding, and a sense of belonging. Why helping matters Today, as technology advances ...
Read More →
Understanding the Mind-Body Connection for Improved Wellbeing The mind and body are deeply interconnected, and understanding this relationship is key to improving overall wellbeing. Modern science continues to uncover how emotional, psychological, and physical health influence one another. By recognizing this powerful connection, individuals can unlock a more holistic approach to wellness, leading to better physical health, emotional resilience, and a balanced life. What is the Mind-Body Connection? The mind-body connection refers to the idea that mental and emotional processes can directly influence physical health. Conversely, physical health can impact mental well-being. This interrelationship is not a new concept—ancient healing practices like Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine have long emphasized that the mind and body work in harmony. From a scientific perspective, this connection is mediated by the nervous system, the immune system, and hormones. For instance, stress—an emotional response—triggers the release of cortisol, a hormone that, over time, can ...
Read More →
Health Benefits of Margosa / Neem Tree Source : dailylife Margosa, also known as neem, is a tree native to the Indian subcontinent, which has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine due to its numerous health benefits. The tree’s bark, leaves, and seeds contain compounds with antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. As a result, margosa has been used to treat a variety of ailments, including skin conditions, diabetes, and digestive issues. Margosa has also gained popularity in the field of agriculture due to its insecticidal properties. Neem oil, which is derived from the seeds of the tree, is an effective and natural pesticide that can repel or kill a wide range of pests, including aphids, mites, and beetles. It is also considered safe for use around humans, pets, and beneficial insects like bees and ladybugs. In addition to its medicinal and agricultural uses, margosa has also been used in ...
Read More →
The Health Benefits of Traditional Sri Lankan Spices – By eLanka Sri Lanka, known as the “Spice Island,” has a rich heritage of spice cultivation and culinary traditions. Sri Lankan spices are not only key ingredients in flavorful dishes but are also packed with health benefits that have been utilized for centuries. Let’s explore the health advantages of some of the most popular traditional Sri Lankan spices. 1. Ceylon Cinnamon Ceylon cinnamon, often called “true cinnamon,” is one of Sri Lanka’s most famous exports. Health Benefits: Blood Sugar Control: Ceylon cinnamon is known to help regulate blood sugar levels, making it beneficial for people with diabetes. Anti-inflammatory Properties: It contains compounds that can reduce inflammation, supporting joint health and reducing pain. Heart Health: Cinnamon helps lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels, which can support heart health. 2. Turmeric Turmeric, known for its bright yellow color, is a staple in Sri Lankan ...
Read More →