Nadeeka Kumari

Maha Eliya: The Whispering Heart of the Highlands – By Nadeeka – eLanka There are places that remain etched in your soul, not because of what they offer in terms of attraction or grandeur, but because of how they make you feel. Some landscapes don’t just appeal to the eye — they reach inward and stir something deep. Maha Eliya, known more commonly as Horton Plains, is such a place. A land suspended between earth and sky, shrouded in mist, cloaked in silence, and brimming with an energy that’s hard to describe but impossible to forget. A Journey Above the Clouds Tucked away in the central highlands of Sri Lanka, Maha Eliya lies at an elevation of over 2,000 meters. Reaching it is no casual detour — it’s a deliberate pilgrimage. The road winds up through cool pine forests, tea estates, sleepy towns, and wild countryside. As the altitude increases, ...

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Sri Lanka’s Rising Motorsport Star: Yevan David’s Journey to Glory At just 17 years old, Yevan David is rewriting the script for Sri Lankan motorsport. With skill far beyond his years and an unshakable determination, he has already earned a place in the international racing spotlight. His recent achievements are not only personal triumphs—they represent a new chapter for Sri Lanka in the world of competitive racing. Yevan’s passion for motorsport began early. What started with karting as a child quickly grew into a full-time pursuit of excellence. From local circuits in Sri Lanka, he advanced to global tracks, competing against some of the world’s most promising young drivers. Through hard work, discipline, and sheer talent, he rose through the ranks and proved he was ready for the big stage. One of his most significant milestones came at Monza, one of Europe’s most historic racing venues. Competing in the Euroformula ...

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Ravana: The Real King of Sri Lanka – By Nadeeka – eLanka King Ravana is remembered by many Sri Lankans not as a villain, but as a wise and powerful monarch who once ruled over a highly advanced civilization. While most of the world knows Ravana from the Indian epic Ramayana, where he is often portrayed as the ten-headed demon king who kidnapped Sita, Sri Lankan legends tell a completely different story—one that reveals a king of extraordinary intelligence, a master of science and technology, and a ruler who left behind a legacy that still echoes through the island’s mountains, forests, and ancient ruins. Ravana is believed to have ruled Sri Lanka over 5,000 years ago, long before recorded history. His kingdom, known as Lankapura, is said to have been a marvel of ancient architecture and engineering. Some believe its location was in or near present-day Sigiriya, while others point ...

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Sakwala Chakraya: Sri Lanka’s Timeless Enigma Carved in Stone – By Nadeeka – eLanka Hidden beneath layers of history, in the tranquil ruins of Ranmasu Uyana in Anuradhapura, lies a mysterious and awe-inspiring artifact. It continues to baffle scholars and inspire dreamers. Known as the Sakwala Chakraya – or “Wheel of the Universe” – this ancient carving is far more than just a piece of stone. To many, it could be a key to ancient cosmology, a lost architectural blueprint, or even an extraterrestrial stargate. An Ancient Carving Amidst Royal Gardens Located between the shimmering waters of Tissa Wewa and the spiritual grounds of Isurumuniya Rock Temple, Ranmasu Uyana (literally “Golden Fish Park”) spans 40 acres of lush historical terrain. Amid its ponds and stone pavilions lies a quiet boulder face, upon which is etched one of the most peculiar and unclassifiable diagrams in all of South Asian archaeology. The ...

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Bandaranaike’s Zoo, Horses & Estates: Life of Luxury in Colonial Sri Lanka In the grand narrative of colonial Ceylon, few figures stand out with the blend of aristocratic charm, political finesse, and eccentric taste for luxury quite like Sir Solomon Dias Bandaranaike, the first native-born Maha Mudaliyar under British rule. His life, detailed in his memoir “Remembered Yesterdays” (1929), offers an intriguing window into the world of elite Ceylonese society in the late 19th and early 20th centuries—a world filled with sprawling estates, imported horses, and even a private zoo. A Life of Prestige and Power Born into one of the most prominent and wealthy Sinhalese families in the country, Sir Solomon’s status was cemented by his appointment as Maha Mudaliyar—the highest native administrative officer under the British Governor. He served as the key link between the colonial rulers and the local populace, functioning both as interpreter and confidant. The ...

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The Sri Lankan Spotted Chevrotain: A Tiny, Mysterious Forest Gem – By Nadeeka- eLanka Deep in the rainforests of Sri Lanka lives a creature so small and secretive that most people don’t even know it exists. Meet the Sri Lankan spotted chevrotain—also known as the mouse deer—a rare and fascinating animal that looks like a cross between a deer and something out of a fairytale. Despite its delicate, deer-like appearance, the chevrotain isn’t technically a deer at all. In fact, it’s more closely related to animals like giraffes and camels. That might sound surprising, but this tiny forest dweller is full of surprises. What Makes It So Unique? The Sri Lankan spotted chevrotain holds the title of being the smallest hoofed mammal in the world. At just around 50 cm (20 inches) long, it’s no bigger than a rabbit or a small dog. Covered in smooth brown fur with delicate ...

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The Incredible Health Benefits of Jackfruit: Nature’s Tropical Superfood Jackfruit, the largest tree-borne fruit in the world, isn’t just known for its unique texture and sweet taste — it also packs a serious nutritional punch. Native to South and Southeast Asia, jackfruit has been celebrated for centuries in traditional medicine. Today, it’s gaining popularity globally as a nutrient-dense food with a variety of health benefits. Let’s dive into why this tropical powerhouse deserves a spot in your diet. 1. Rich in Nutrients Jackfruit is loaded with essential vitamins and minerals. A single cup of jackfruit provides: Vitamin C – Boosts immunity and fights free radicals Vitamin A – Supports healthy vision and skin Potassium – Helps regulate blood pressure Magnesium – Crucial for bone health and muscle function It also contains small amounts of iron, calcium, and B vitamins like B6 and niacin, making it a well-rounded source of nutrients. ...

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How to Stay Focused in a World Full of Distractions – Nadeeka – eLanka In today’s hyperconnected world, distraction is practically in the air we breathe. Every app, platform, and device is designed to hijack our attention. Our phones vibrate, our inboxes overflow, and even when we try to concentrate, our minds wander. In a time where deep focus has become a rare skill, learning how to maintain attention is not just about getting more done—it’s about regaining control over your life. If you’ve ever found yourself reading the same paragraph three times, struggling to complete tasks, or constantly reaching for your phone without thinking, you’re not alone. Let’s take a deep dive into why distractions are so addictive, what they’re doing to your brain, and how to fight back with practical strategies to regain your focus. Part 1: Understanding the Distraction Trap The Attention Economy Every time you open ...

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Tabebuia Rosea: The Pretty Pink Bloom of Urban Landscapes –  By Nadeeka – eLanka Some trees bring seasonal magic to cities. One such tree is Tabebuia rosea, admired for its delicate pink blossoms. Often planted along roads and in parks, it transforms urban landscapes into vibrant floral displays. A Tree of Grace and Elegance Tabebuia rosea is a deciduous tree that can grow up to 20 meters tall. Its smooth, dark bark gives it an elegant appearance. Unlike dense, bushy trees, it has light foliage, allowing sunlight to filter through its branches. The tree’s compound leaves are dark olive green. Each has five oval-shaped leaflets, connected at the center like fingers on a hand. Before the flowering season begins, the tree sheds most of its leaves. This prepares it for one of nature’s most breathtaking displays. A Spectacular Floral Show Between February and April, Tabebuia rosea bursts into full bloom. ...

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The Smallest Wonders: Tiny Birds that Amaze the World – By Nadeeka – eLanka Birds are among nature’s most diverse and fascinating creatures, ranging vastly in size, shape, color, and behavior. Amidst this diversity, the smallest birds in the world hold a unique charm, showcasing an impressive range of adaptations and surprising abilities despite their tiny stature. These tiny marvels capture our attention with their diminutive size, vibrant colors, and incredible agility. In this article, we’ll explore some of the world’s smallest birds, their remarkable behaviors and habitats, and the conservation efforts needed to ensure their survival. Hummingbirds: Nature’s Smallest Aviators Without a doubt, hummingbirds are some of the tiniest and most enchanting birds on Earth. Renowned for their ability to hover and their rapid wingbeats—reaching up to 80 beats per second—they navigate the air like miniature helicopters. These birds mainly feed on nectar from flowers, occasionally consuming tiny insects ...

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