DD/24/136 Devinda Ashan

  Christmas is a grand religious festival celebrated by Christians worldwide to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ. It is not limited solely to religious rituals but is a season filled with well-wishes, sharing peace, brotherhood, and selfless love with the entire world. The humble message of that birth in a manger in Bethlehem brings light to every heart through Christmas. As the Christmas season approaches, homes and cities are adorned with thousands of light bulbs and colorful decorations. The beautifully decorated Christmas tree, the shining Christmas star, and the nativity manger bring out the true spirit of Christmas. Santa Claus, whom children eagerly await, and the singing of Christmas carols add a unique vibrancy to this festival. The true meaning of Christmas lies in sharing joy with others. A special feature of this time is the Christmas feasts shared among family and friends, the exchange of gifts, and helping those in need. Christmas, where everyone rejoices as one ...

  Colombo is a vibrant city where ancient heritage and modernity blend seamlessly.  Comprising sky-touching modern buildings, busy commercial centers, and a beautiful coastline, this city is a cultural paradise where people of various ethnicities and religions coexist in harmony. Places like the Colombo Port and Galle Face Green perfectly showcase the city’s unique identity. Traces of Portuguese, Dutch, and English colonial eras can still be seen today through the old buildings in Colombo Fort and Pettah. Alongside this, through massive projects like the Lotus Tower and the Colombo Port City, Colombo is currently becoming one of the premier modern cities in South Asia.  With its delicious street food, vibrant nightlife, and refreshing parks, Colombo is a beautiful city open to everyone.

The rhythmic ‘taka-taka’ sound of kottu clashing from somewhere in the city, paired with its enticing aroma, is enough to awaken anyone’s hunger. The sight of a melting layer of cheese added over a steaming, perfectly spiced kottu is truly beyond words.  Cheese kottu is not just a meal; it is a delicious experience that dissolves the exhaustion of a long day. The true taste of a cheese kottu is best experienced when shared with friends or family. Gathering around a large platter of cheese kottu and engaging in pleasant conversation adds beautiful memories to life. I am always happy that my favorite food is cheese kottu because of the special charm and attraction hidden within its taste.

  A potential state of war between Iran and the United States could exert numerous direct and indirect influences on a country like Sri Lanka.  This impact can be analyzed primarily across three sectors: Economy and Rising Fuel Prices  As soon as a military crisis arises in the Middle East, crude oil prices in the global market rise rapidly. Since Sri Lanka relies entirely on imports for its fuel needs, this would directly lead to an increase in domestic fuel prices and electricity tariffs. Consequently, transportation costs and the prices of essential goods would rise, making it difficult to manage the country's inflation. Export Trade and the Tea Industry  Iran is one of the primary markets for Sri Lankan tea. If a war breaks out, the tea industry could suffer a major blow due to the blockage of export routes to Iran or the disruption of payment systems. Additionally, managing international relations while maintaining a neutral policy amidst global political pressu...

  Cyclone 'Dithwa', which affected Sri Lanka in late 2025, can be described as one of the most challenging and tragic natural disasters our country has faced in recent history. Having developed in the Bay of Bengal and turned violent within a very short period, this cyclone caused severe impacts across many parts of the island with strong winds and incessant rainfall. The most tragic aspect of this disaster was the loss of many precious human lives. The damage caused to the fishing communities along the northern and eastern coastal belts, as well as families living in low-lying areas, was immense. Thousands of houses were completely destroyed, and properties as well as farmlands that people had painstakingly built over many years were swallowed by the waters in an instant.

  Water can be identified as an essential factor for humans as well as for every living being. It is a precious resource that sustains life and supports the daily activities of mankind. Let’s look at a brief introduction to why water is so important to us. Water is the primary foundation of global food production. It plays a major role in agriculture, power generation, and the manufacturing processes of various industries. Especially in an agricultural country like Sri Lanka, the role of water in economic development and in making people's lives prosperous is immense. Water directly contributes to regulating the Earth's climate and maintaining the balance of ecosystems. Rivers, streams, and oceans maintain environmental coolness while providing habitats for many living species. Therefore, it is the responsibility of all of us to protect this limited resource from pollution for the sake of future generations.