The Nature of Food in Sri Lankan Culture

The culture differs from country to country. In Sri Lanka, there is unique culture and civilization inherited from the past. Sri Lankans are great foodies and their food varieties are hot, spicy and nutritious.  Rice and curry is the staple food of a Sri Lankan which is usually consumed daily can be found at any special occasion. In ancient Sri Lanka, there were number of methods in relation to cooking rice.

Some of them are milk rice, tempered rice, ambul bath, cooked rice with bee honey, rice with spices, rice mixed with cereal, tempered rice with vegetable, yellow rice, rice mixed with green gram. There are evidences on cultivation by the Aryans regarding the main food in the Sri Lankan culture which is based on rice. As there was good paddy cultivation in Sri Lankan history rice became the staple food.

The historical writings and archeological sources provide witnesses that Sri Lanka has a unique food culture. Among these writings Mahawansa, Rasavahini, Saddarmaratnawali, Tupawansa, Bodhiwansa, Inscriptions at Thonigala, Medirigiriya and Pillar Inscription at Badulla are very significant. Sri Lankan style of cooking has been partial by south Indian cooking. Sri Lankan meal always consists of leaves, dry fish and several vegetable curries etc. Meat curries and fish dishes are the hot favorites among the tourists. Sri Lankan make special sweets with coconut milk, flour and Honey at cultural festivals like New Year.

According to the historical evidences the tank was introduced in the days of King Pandukabhaya for the cultivation of paddy. Today when we go to North and South of Sri Lanka we can see plenty of tanks done by different kings. As mentioned in the ancient Pali writings there was other food like green gram, millet, kurakkan, undu, gram, dhal were cultivated in Chenas. These built healthy people.

The components like carbohydrate, fat, protein, water and vitamin needed to be included in a balanced diet in traditional meals. Ancestors have knowledge in food processing and natural preservations. With the facts mentioned above we can come to a conclusion that ancient Sri Lankans had rice and food cultivate in chenas for their balanced healthy meals.

When a country develops its technology, the traditional skills and ways of life die out. It is pointless to try and keep them alive. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

When a country develops its technology, the traditional skills and ways of life die out. It is pointless to try and keep them alive. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

The trend of globalization has directed people to a wave of change and improvement of the traditional skills and lifestyles. The changes have occurred from a longer time period. Actually without progress we wouldn't be live where we are today. Furthermore it means we will be in the past communication era which was quite difficult. However, I do not totally agree with the opinion that it is pointless to try and keep them alive.

In the Stone Age man created the fire by rubbing two stones or sticks. He also created other tools as a cut with stone and stick in order to hunt animals for food. These tools allowed him to stay alive in stone era. Currently we have fire and enough tools to get food which make our life much easier.

Obviously we developed our technology from the traditional ages work. Then those skills have disappeared. It is not sensible to keep on producing fire in the same as we did a million years ago. So the change is the key of progress in technology to survive.

Although such ways of life have died out as we learn history as a subject in school or else read historical scenarios we know how we created them.  Therefore this is the most important. Finally I would like to say that any country started developing new technologies to improve its productivity and ensure the economic and social development of the citizens while keeping them up to date with the new technologies and teaching them how to use them to make lives easy.

But it is valuable to keep the knowledge of traditional skills alive by teaching the new generations like how these things done in the past and how we used to live with those. 

Tradition versus Technology

Nowadays, technology has become the main creator of human life. This technology era is building human’s life progressively opportune. When the technology makes our lives easy we easily forget how important the tradition is.

In my point of view tradition is the source of everything that we have at the moment. There is no present exclusive of its past. When discussing about technology and tradition actually talking about two things that set one side and the other. 

Tradition is the all about the beliefs, legends, customs and information which inherited from generation to generation by word of mouth or by practice. It could be something that passes from ancestors. Tradition each time keeps and inherits it to the next generation. Tradition is something that creates the value and teaches you the way you must live as a respectful person for the tradition.

But unfortunately people do not follow or respect the traditions as they are touched with technology. They refer it as something that can be left behind. Presently, technology locates on the peak of its age. People are taking it as the most important thing in life that they should follow than obeying the tradition.

Tradition is absolutely an important object in our lives. In the other hand without technology we just could not have the current life we have at this instant. But when technology goes global it affects the whole world. This thing brings another effect on human life. 

The Gift of Wind

Wind is one of the most vicious forces of our surroundings which are also known as a source of non-conventional power. It is cheap, pollution-free, environment friendly and can be developed away from the sources of usual energy.

This energy is utilized in sailing ships and wind mills. Just recently we have seen the effects of wind in Sri Lanka. Houses torn down, uprooted trees, smashed cars as well as lives have been lost due to these noisy monsters.

Even if winds can cause people harm, it is also one of our most important resources. Wind power-driven electrical generators provide us some amount of power. It is also a sustainable energy source which will not end as coal or natural gases.

Advantages

1. Wind power is richly available which is free of cost and is pollution free.

2. The wind is more consistent beyond the ground level in many hilly regions.

3. The never-ending flow of wind is a possible power source and may well provide an answer to the problem of growing energy demands in the future.

Limitations

1. Wind is unpredictable and defective.

2. Wind requires special conditions for its economic utilization.

3. Wind has a high seasonal preconception. They are much stronger during the monsoon.

4. It is not available in all the locations to complete various types of work.

As all of us know global warming is due to energy generation and use, so that this can be reduced if we switch to cleaner energy sources such as wind or solar. One wind turbine can generate enough energy to supply nearly 400 houses with energy.

Using wind power saves our earth from the pollution of fossil fuel energy. Furthermore, they have no environmental collision in regard to fuel development and waste disposal unlike fossil fuels and power plants. 

Tips for High School Students

Here are some tips to survive your switch to high school. Keeping these tips in mind will maintain your wisdom while helping you through to the changes from college to high school.

1.      The utilization of credit cards:

 Credit cards are both your friend and enemy. Credit cards can help students with buying the necessity things you really necessitate. These things will we study materials, food etc. However, students have to control their expenses. Make sure that you are not going to make pointless cost with the use of credit cards.

2.      Get a job:

This will help students with managing the money and planning the own budget adequately. This will challenge the student to perform savings for future. It is really important as if you get money from your parents you may try to spend more for unnecessary stuff than required things. So that while doing a job you have to manage the earning for a particular time period and do expenditure.

3.      Need to buy books:

The books that are needed to but in high school is actually very expensive but first try to search a book in the internet  and get a free copy else try to get an used book over the internet. This will save students from the required large amount of money. But when you are buying a book, be sure that you will buy the right edition. If not there is no point in spending money.

4.      Don’t be lost:

In high school there are different buildings for different activities.  So that it is important to look it up via Google maps or just walkthrough with your friends. This way you can become aware of the shortcuts and that will decrease the chance of being late etc.

5.      Get to know your college batch-mates and others:

Take time to learn who these people are by identifying their experiences and emotions. Then make a circle of friends who will help in anytime in a difficulty.

6.      Get organized:

Compared to college, high school is a bit different place. In college teachers will guide students through homework and test dates where as in college teachers post everything online so student should be aware of that and pay attention to it. Be prepared to do a lot of reading and also learn time management by using a calendar and plan how to use the time. Learn to manage your time while still in high school, keep a calendar of all exams and paper due dates. Learn to take notes in class, make summarize notes and outline reading.

7.      Go to class everyday:

This is obviously correct. But in high school life I have seen some students skipping their class at 8.30am or else skip hate teacher’s lessons. Try to avoid that. Besides learning new information in class, students will also receive important point from your teacher about targeted questions for exams as well as how to handle in assignments etc.

8.      Find the perfect place for you to study:

The ideal place in the high school would be the class room or library. But when selecting a place keep in mind to select a place where it is quiet and no distractions.

9.      Seek professional help when you need it:

If there is anything not working for an example computer user login then go and speak to the IT Department and clarify that doubt soon.

The classes in high school are harder and there is a big responsibility you need to perform. And also the management of time and financial is very important. Most important thing is to stay calm in most of the occasions. Don’t forget to use the individual study time for learning without miss using it. Hard work at high school shows that student is capable enough to do it without full guidance of the teacher and you can independently deserve success.

The main thing is to stay focused on what you do in high school all the time and study the daily teaching lessons. Students must learn to balance school and social life. Be prepared to discipline yourself and be respectful to others. In high school try to participate in volunteer and community service programs; this may help with scholarships as well.

High school students should take more time reading magazines and books during their free time. Another hard adjustment is in high school studies you may be away from the family and friends. So that you are used to bring many pictures of family and friends to make a smile and extra encouragement.

National Flower of Sri Lanka

Blue Water Lily was chosen as the national flower of Sri Lanka in February 1986. The scientific name is Nymphaea stellata. In Sinhala it is known as Nil Manel. Ordinary sight throughout the island is revealing by the beauty of Blue Water Lily. 

This flower is considered a symbol of Purity and Truth. This is because of the fact that it grows in muddy water by spreading fragrant. Blue Water Lily thrives in shallow fresh waters, with no season for blooming in lakes, ponds or marsh land.

When reflect on the Blue Water Lily, its petals arranged like a star and the smooth round waterproof leaves that are in color of bright green. The flower is used for offering at Buddhist Temples and customs for God Vishnu. When taking the memory to past, Sigiriya frescoes of women hold these flowers in their hands.

There are numerous benefits of the Blue Water Lily Flower totally. Seeds and tubes are used as a vegetable by villagers while leave stem and flowers are used in herbal medicine. Also the dried flowers are used to make pillows. The flower blooms from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. almost the whole day. The flower blooms on a long stalk and floats on the water.

There are three types of Authentic Water Lilies in Sri Lanka which are Olu in White color, Nil Manel and the Nelum in pinkish white color. These several flowering plants show prominent versions to life in water in Sri Lanka. It has several local varieties which differ in size and shades. There are four sepals and numerous petals which differ in size and color. The petals are usually light whitish indigo.

Benefits Of Banana

Bananas contain three natural sugars such as sucrose, fructose and glucose combined with fiber. A banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy. Banana helps us to keep fit as well as to overcome or prevent a considerable number of illnesses and conditions, making it a must to add to our daily diet. Banana acts as a tool for the following illnesses.

Blood Pressure: Banana consists of high in potassium and low in salt making it perfect to thump blood pressure. Banana has the ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke.

Brain Power: Eating bananas at breakfast, break and lunch boost the brain power. Potassium-packed fruit can assist learning by making pupils more alert.



Depression: Banana helps depression as it contain tryptophan which is a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier.

Heartburn: Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body. Eat banana for calming assistance.

Morning Sickness: Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness.


Mosquito bites: Before reaching for the insect taste cream, try resistance the affected area with the inside of a banana skin.

Nerves: Bananas are high in B vitamins that help calm the nervous system.

Temperature control: Bananas are "cooling" the body and can lower both the physical and emotional temperature of pregnant women. Most pregnant women eat bananas to ensure their baby is born with a cool temperature.

Stress: Potassium is a vital mineral, which helps standardize the heartbeat, sends oxygen to the brain and regulates your body's water balance. When we are stressed, our metabolic rate rises, so reducing our potassium levels. These can be re balanced with the help of a high-potassium banana snack.

Strokes: Eating bananas as part of a usual diet can cut the risk of death by strokes by as much as 40%!

Banana really is a natural medicine for many ills. When you compare it to an apple, it has four times the protein, twice the carbohydrate, three times the phosphorus, five times the vitamin A and iron, and twice the other vitamins and minerals. It is also rich in potassium and is one of the best value foods around. Therefore it is the s time to change that well-known phrase  to"A banana a day keeps the doctor away!"

Dragon Fruit

Dragon Fruit is a favorite to the people of Asian Region which is popular for Hycocereus undatus family. Typically the fruit has red flesh and originates from the dragon fruit cactus plant, which is usually, appears like as vines. It gives a mouth watering sweet taste as well as cool.  

This fruit comprise of a lot of water and other vital minerals with varied nutritional ingredients such as Vitamin C, phosphorus, calcium etc.  Dragon fruit is low in calories. Therefore health benefits of Dragon Fruit are numerous. It helps in the process of prevents colon cancer and reduce the effect noxious substances such as heavy metals, reduces cholesterol levels and high blood pressure and if regularly consumed helps control asthma and cough. It is also used to treat stomach and endocrine problem. It also improves eyesight and prevents hypertension. The seeds of the dragon fruit help in controlling blood glucose levels in nation with non-insulin-dependent hyperglycemic conditions of diabetes.

Dragon fruit is a good-looking fruit grown in Southeast Asia, Central and South America. It is essentially type of fruit of cactus and the fruit around in 3 colors such as pink skin and in white and red in color with different flesh while another type is yellow with white flesh.

Life is the flower for which love is the honey

The flower blossom is a pure and beautiful formation of nature. It is offered to gods and presented to the dear and near ones. It is his finest gift to the mankind. They look very beautiful and attract our sights while representing cleanliness.  It may be of different sizes, species, color and shapes. It grows on fragile plants. Poets write about the flowers and enrich our literature.

We have seen the flowers of many kinds and they appear in thousands of colors and of mixed colors. Flowers like the roses, lotuses, water lilies and dalais are famous for beauty and glamour. There are also small flowers like daisy and seasonal flowers of small and pretty sizes and color planted in parks. Every fruit or seed is preceded by a kind of flower.  Daffodils are common in the European countries. Flowers are loved and respected by all. Bees collect honey from the flowers and store it in their hives. We get this honey from the bee-hives. Some children like to get the honey from bee-hives.

Flowers are very useful to anybody for different purposes. Flowers make our garden, our courtyard and the front and back of our houses more beautiful. They beautify the sides of our houses as well. They are used for decorating houses and temples as well as weddings and other functions. We make garlands of flowers for the holy being and from our honorable guests. We offer flowers to our deities. We put flowers on the flower-vase to beautiful the table in the meetings. These are some of the uses of flowers.

If we smell a flower we obviously get sweet smell but there are some worms that get into our nostrils and do harm to us. Therefore we can say that flower is a good friend as well as hurter. So that we should not hold a flower very close to nose to get the smell.

Flowers make different attractive sights while acting as very beautiful objects. They give much pleasure to our mind to relax. We should enjoy them from a distance as they dance upon the creepers. Every flower is a soul blossoming in nature.

The Fragrance of Jasmine

Jasmine Flowers are a species of fragrant flowering hedge plant in the olive family and are native to the tropical regions of Asia to warm climates. The Jasmine is a very popular flower around the world especially in the tropics because of its unique fragrance.

Its scientific name is Jasminum. Many people also enjoy jasmine flowers as a tea alone or with black or green tea. It is popular in perfumery. It can also be used as jasmine syrup and jasmine essential oil. Jasmine is also the National Flower of Indonesia where it is known as Melati, and the Philippines, where it is known as Sampaguita.

Jasmine leaves are shiny and the flowers which grow in clusters have five or six 1-inch white or yellow petals. Popular jasmine varieties include Common jasmine, Downy jasmine and Primrose jasmine. Jasmine is used for tea predominantly in China. Essential oil from jasmine plants has many age-old herbal medicinal uses. Jasmine flowers are traditional hair adornments across southern Asia. 

Education is the key to happiness and success

Education is the creation of the man’s life. This comprises the development of the individual in in material and spiritual environment which enable to fulfill the end of the life.

The most important selection that people have to formulate in order to be happy and successful is to complete the education. Without education in my point of view, I do not feel that people will accomplish all of their own goals. When mapping this statement with my life, if I do not complete my education I believe that I will be letting my family down and I will never achieve true happiness.

As a wife and mother, my family is first in my life not the friends, relations. By completing the degree I believe that I can obtain more knowledge and experience. Then I am aware that I am securing my family’s financial well-being and kid’s education. 

I wish to set an example for my children, to be a role model and mentor. I want my children to choose education and make every effort best for their delicate best in all that they do within their lives. The paramount approach to achieve this is to place the stage for them and show them the way to happiness and success. By selecting the desired stream for my education will allow me to do all of these. Although educating is little bit tough I would like to achieve the challenges successfully to drive a triumphant life.

As I go on the journey of education I will keep in mind that time management and organizational skills are vital. I must also need to focus remain of my life for feature oriented all the way through my career. I won’t procrastinate any of the challenges that approach to me; but will stay on top of my studies to deserve success to my footsteps. I will accept nothing below the best that I can perform in life to make all my dreams come true.  

My goal is to maintain the highest grade point in every semester. Then I will not fail in my mission for happiness and success through education. I have quite a lot of barrier that I have to get ahead in order to award the 1^st class degree in my life. I try hard always to look toward the future and focus on my happiness and success. Also I know there are people who are jealous towards people who do like this. Anyway anybody cannot stop me in a single point of time with barriers because I have different powers in education and education is the only thing that we take when we die.

I imagine myself graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree and the pride that I will feel as I walk across the stage to accept my diploma. I think of my parents as well as husband beaming with joy, my children and parents cheering me on.  I picture a successful career as a business professional and my heart fills with joy. I look forward to owning my own business and applying the skills that I am learning in university to real-life situations.   These wonderful feelings keep me going ahead with determination when the going gets tough.

These make the part of every man’s nature. Every individual has a natural feeling for two things.

1.      Motivate to search for a person that is greater than him. This refers to man’s trend to experiences from within & without to a creature that is higher & external to him. This is the natural idea of man of the reality.

2.      Inclined towards happiness. There is a natural tendency for man to do or think of something that will satisfy his desires in life. As man searches for his happiness, he soon realizes that there is nothing in this world that could satisfy his longing for it. Thus, he looks for it outside of himself and beyond this life. He looks for it in God.

Thus, the two natural preferences are in fact one and the same thing where people search for God and people search for happiness. Usually Happiness is God. God is happiness.

These thoughts float to our minds as reputed personnel Aristotle reflected on what about education. “The aim of education is happiness. Also education involves the formation of the power of man and gears them in the direction of what force to build him happy. It occupies familiarizing the intelligence and spirit of man to their appropriate objectives in future life which involves the genuineness and the superior, correspondingly. ”