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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 ...

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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 ...

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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 ...

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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 ...

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IMF reps to pay courtesy visit next week – By Uditha Kumarasinghe Source : sundayobserver The third review of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) program will continue after the new Government takes office in November. Prior to that there will be a courtesy visit by IMF representatives next week. Senior Advisor to the President on Economic Affairs and Finance, Prof. Anil Jayantha told the Sunday Observer yesterday that the Government had held an initial discussion on the current status of the IMF program on Tuesday (September 24) and Wednesday (September 25). Since we are a new Government, we sought an update from the IMF. Prof. Jayantha said as a result of those discussions, the IMF representatives will pay a courtesy visit next week. Most probably, the IMF review can be done this year. The success of the IMF agreement: most of the measures recommended by them can be achieved easily by ...

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A WONDERFUL DAY AT LAHUGALA (IN THE 1950’s) Source : island (Excerpted from Falling Leaves, anecdotal memoirs of LC Arulpragasam) I happened to be the Assistant Government Agent in the Batticaloa District in 1956. At that time, Lahugala was part of the Batticaloa District. If I may be allowed to digress a bit, I had not thought about this oddity till a chena cultivator from Lahugala came to the Batticaloa Kachcheri seeking a divorce under the Kandyan Marriages Ordinance. Fortunately, I had served in the Kandy District and knew the legal provisions of this Ordinance. I was curious as to how a Kandyan person could fall within the confines of the Batticaloa District, a Tamil/Muslim district. So I took the trouble to read the old diaries of the Government Agents of that time. What I found aroused my historical interest further, as to how boundaries – most colonial boundaries – were drawn. The Government ...

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Making mistakes in mathematics – by R N A de Silva Source : island “Anyone who has never made a mistake has not tried something new “, said Albert Einstein. Although mistakes are inevitable in life, learning mathematics can be extra challenging due to the pressure of having to come up with the ‘correct’ answer as it generally demands precision and accuracy. But recent neurological research indicates that making mistakes is actually good as it not only provides opportunities for learning but also contributes to the growth of the brain. Mistakes play a crucial role in the learning process and they can be considered as stepping stones on the path to mastery. Embracing mistakes will help students in building the persistence required for success in mathematics. Making mistakes will help enhance critical thinking and problem-solving skills as they prompt students to reconsider their approach, identify the source of the mistake and ...

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On arrival visa issues, daunting challenge for Sri Lanka – By Sunimalee Dias Source:- sundaytimes Sri Lanka’s visa crisis has triggered many concerns for foreign visitors as some have been turned away at the airport while there is still absolute confusion faced by visitors over the procedure to enter the country. After the Supreme Court temporarily suspended the VFS-led online visa process, all travellers to Sri Lanka are now eligible for on-arrival visas, the only way to enter the country as the immigration authorities are yet to restore the old online visa platform, as directed by the Court. There is another process for ‘restricted countries’ where those nationals have to apply to the Immigration Department here through a Sri Lankan representative for a visa. Afghanistan, Syria, Pakistan, Ghana, Nigeria, Camaroon, Ivory Coast, North Korea and Myanmar are on the ‘restricted’ countries list. According to Dharshana Cabraal, Joint Managing Director at ...

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