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The Crucial Connection: Understanding the Role of Gut Health in Overall Well-being – By eLanka Introduction In recent years, the importance of gut health has gained significant attention from researchers, healthcare professionals, and the general public. The gut, often referred to as the “second brain,” plays a pivotal role in maintaining overall well-being. This article explores the multifaceted relationship between gut health and various aspects of physical and mental health, highlighting the critical need for maintaining a balanced and healthy gut microbiome.   The Gut Microbiome: An Overview The gut microbiome consists of trillions of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microbes, that reside in the digestive tract. These microorganisms perform essential functions such as aiding digestion, synthesizing vitamins, and supporting the immune system. A diverse and balanced gut microbiome is crucial for optimal health.   Gut Health and Digestion One of the primary roles of the gut is ...

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Sri Lanka’s June tourist arrival rate remains slow Source : dailymirror The rate of tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka continues to remain slow in the month of June, which is an off-season of the island nation. The provisional data released by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) showed that for the first 23 days of June, Sri Lanka welcomed only 84,383 international visitors. The daily arrival average is about 3,500 while the weekly arrival average is about 26,000.  Accordingly, the year-to-date tourist arrivals are at 981,162.  Analysis shows that compared with the number of tourists visiting the country in June 2023, the June 2024 arrivals thus far are a slight increase of 16 percent. In the first 23 days of June 2023, Sri Lanka welcomed 72,277 international visitors.  For June so far, India ranks as the largest tourist traffic generator, a position it continues to hold.  The United Kingdom ranks ...

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Afghanistan thrash PNG to qualify for Super 8, dump New Zealand out Source : dailymirror USA, June 14 (NDTV) – Fazalhaq Farooqi starred with the ball as Afghanistan pumped Papua New Guinea by 7 wickets to qualify for the Super 8 stage of the T20 World Cup.  Chasing a paltry total of 96, Gulbadin Naib hit an unbeaten 49 to steer Afghanistan home after PNG gave them an early scare with the ball.  Earlier, The Rashid Khan-led side bowled PNG out for a paltry total of 95 with Fazalhaq Farooqi returning figures of 3/16.  Naveen-ul-Haq also bagged two wickets while Noor Ahmad struck late after PNG offered some resistance with the bat.  Afghanistan had won the toss and chose to bowl first against Papua New Guinea in their Group C match of the T20 World Cup at the Brian Lara Stadium in Trinidad. ...

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Popular YouTuber highlights “Massive Data Breach” in Sri Lanka’s new VFS Visa system Source : newswire Popular Youtuber Will Davis, known as ‘TrekTrendy’, has highlighted a massive data breach by global visa processing service, VFS Global which was involved in the recent controversy related to the visa issuance process at the Katunayake Airport. Will Davis, a luxury travel reviewer with nearly 1 million subscribers on YouTube, shared on social media that despite having his visa approved a long time ago, he has been continuously receiving details of other applicants from VFS Global. “Some of you may remember the Sri Lanka visa saga a few weeks ago. Well whilst mine has long been approved, each day I’ve been getting other tourists visas emailed to me complete with full names, address and passport info. How is this a thing?! I’ve reached out in an attempt to try and make these stop but what a ...

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Sri Lanka welcomes over 50,000 visitors in first 9 days of April Source : Ft   In a promising start to April, Sri Lanka has welcomed over 50,000 visitors within the first nine days of the month, contributing to a cumulative figure of 686,321 tourists for the year thus far.  During the first nine days, a total of 50,537 tourists have arrived in the country, signalling a positive trend for the tourism sector, which has gradually recovered from the multiple challenges over the past five years.  Leading the tourist traffic are visitors from diverse regions, with Indian tourists topping the list at 9,725 arrivals. Following closely behind are travellers from the UK, numbering 5,878, and Russian tourists totalling 5,057. In addition, travellers from Germany, France, Australia, China, US, Canada and Netherlands were received. The varied mix of international visitors reflects Sri Lanka’s appeal as a sought-after destination among global travellers. As ...

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The Timeless Art of Sri Lankan Traditional Dance: A Cultural Heritage – By eLanka Introduction In the heart of the Indian Ocean lies a jewel of cultural richness and diversity – Sri Lanka. Among its many treasures is the vibrant tradition of traditional dance, a centuries-old art form that reflects the island nation’s rich history, cultural heritage, and religious beliefs. From the intricate hand movements to the rhythmic footwork, Sri Lankan traditional dance is a captivating spectacle that continues to enthrall audiences around the world. In this article, we delve into the depths of this timeless art form, exploring its history, significance, and enduring legacy. A Glimpse into History The roots of Sri Lankan traditional dance can be traced back thousands of years, deeply intertwined with the island’s ancient civilization and religious practices. Influenced by Indian classical dance forms such as Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi, as well as indigenous folk traditions, ...

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Maha Shivarathri: The Night of Greatness – By Thulasi Muttulingam Source : sundayobserver On March 8, Hindus all over the world will celebrate Maha Shivarathri, which literally translates to ‘Great Night of Shiva.’ It is a night auspicious to legions of Hindus all over the world, the one night in the year when devotees stay up all night, chanting Shiva’s name (Om Namah Shivaya), or singing songs in praise of him. The day falls on the 13th or 14th day after the full moon, in the month of Magha, corresponding to either February or March in the Western calendar. It is the night before the New Moon, when the Moon has all, but waned. Hindus believe that this is a very powerful time of the year, when mantras chanted or spiritual exertions undertaken are magnified several-fold in their beneficence. Therefore, they fast all day and stay up all night, trying to ...

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