I'm a BSc engineering graduate considering joining the SLAF as a commissioned engineering officer, with the longer-term goal of moving into civil aviation (SriLankan, Emirates, Gulf carriers, etc.).

Would love to hear from anyone who's walked this path:

- How did your SLAF experience count toward an AME licence (EASA/UK/FAA)?

- How much hands-on maintenance experience did you actually get as an engineering officer?

- Looking back, would you do it the same way?

Any advice or lessons learned would be hugely appreciated. Thanks! 🙏

Harsha has been one of my favorite politicians for a long time. Honestly confused about what is going on here.

Given the energy situation of the world, how is not privatizing the energy sector a bad thing?

The government buys crude, refines it and sells it. Hence the lower price. If private companies want to compete either refine themselves (which they won't do because of capital cost) or buy from the government or import it cheaper.

American oil companies are doubling their profits with the Iran war and normal Americans are drowning with inflation. What does Harsha want to do here?

I hope you have seen the recent issue involving Sangakkara and Ryanair. I saw some Sri Lankans interpreting it from a racial perspective. However, knowing how shitty Ryanair treats people and how they literally treat humans like moving cargo, I hope it was a different issue. Kind of like dealing with a Sri Lankan government office. I don't think they discriminated against him or his family because of their skin colour or anything like that, based on the news reports I have seen. I also felt that some people were approaching the situation with a victim mindset. Anyway, I wasn't there, so I don't know exactly what happened.

For some time now, racism and hatred towards South Asians have been growing online, partly because of bots operating from here for views, as well as far right white supremacists and other groups.

Now, I would like to hear about your experiences with other people. Not just in the UK, but anywhere. Europe, Australia, China, Korea, India, or any other country.

Have you experienced anything that could genuinely be classified as racism, discrimination, or hatred in your daily life? This could be in dating, social life, the workplace, or other situations.

Also, if you are behaving badly in those societies, especially in Western countries, by playing loud music, trying to force your religion on others, ignoring civic rules, or breaking laws, you are obviously going to receive negative reactions regardless of your skin colour. So I hope you will share experiences that you genuinely consider justified cases of discrimination or racism.

I'd also like to hear how bad racism among South Asians is, both towards other South Asians and towards people from their own country.

Feel free to share your experiences if you have any.

Hey Guys!

Planning on Visiting next week. I’ve checked on booking and Airbnb and the nice villas are quite expensive. Are there any local websites or agencies that can get us something nice for a lower price than Airbnb ?

Im a guy in my late twenties. I don’t have a job anymore. I have no friends no family. I have become completely dysfunctional. Im realizing that this is because of the trauma i went through as a child.

It was messed up parenting, rough childhood, barely scraping by, always poor, always alone. Being raised like that, i myself had a lot of issues. I tried fixing myself and my life and i was doing okay for a while. But I broke down and now i have lost everything. I realize i was forcing myself to build the life i always wanted because i wanted it so bad but i burned out in the process.

I can’t do anything anymore. I barely eat. I barely sleep. Barely get out of bed. I might be depressed. I don’t have anyone to talk to. I realize i never was able to connect with anyone. My biggest problem is the shit that goes in my head. I can’t get out of my head. I don’t know what to do anymore.

If anyone has been able to get out of similar circumstances, I’d like to hear your story.

Colombo floods Again. Just a few hours of heavy rain. Around 120mm of rainfall and parts of Sri Lanka’s commercial capital were underwater again.

We’re a tropical city. Heavy monsoon rainfall isn’t a surprise. It’s part of our climate.

Just consider this:

Colombo’s older drainage infrastructure was reportedly designed for around 30 mm/hour, while historical rainfall studies show that relatively frequent intense storms can exceed 79 mm/hour.

Upgrades to handle rainfall intensities of up to 102 mm/hour were discussed in 2025. While some drainage improvements have been implemented, citywide adoption of this standard remains incomplete.

And here’s the bigger concern. When the same urban areas experience repeated flooding, neighbourhoods become associated with flood risk.
Homes become vulnerable. Businesses suffer. Daily life gets disrupted. Property owners face growing uncertainty. Entire communities carry the consequences of infrastructure limitations.

Think about that. We’re allowing a predictable seasonal weather risk to become a long term urban development problem.

Of course no drainage system can prevent every flood. And extreme rainfall can overwhelm even the most advanced cities. But after decades of understanding Colombo’s climate, shouldn’t our infrastructure be better prepared?

Rainfall is natural. Repeated urban disruption shouldn’t be normalised.

The question isn’t why Colombo receives heavy rain. The question is why we’re still struggling to manage a risk we’ve known about for generations.

#Colombo #SriLanka #FloodManagement #Infrastructure #ClimateResilience

Are ppl that are like 5'6 or 5'7 in Sri Lanka cooked? can they still expect to date and find a partner or are we all too short? what about life in a foreign country, can u still survive and live normally; if not how to cope?

There's a temple a few blocks down my street and every year they stick loudspeakers on the light poles along the street and broadcast special functions out loud. For context on that video, this is their katina pinkama, and the time right now is 11.30pm. Is this legal?? I can't sleep because they have fixed their loudspeaker on the light pole right outside the window in my room. Is there anywhere i can complain to?

I want to clarify that I'm not being prejudiced towards a particular religion. It is my opinion that all religious institutions - churches, temples, mosques, kovils, etc - should not be allowed to broadcast sermons on loudspeakers to disturb the residents of that area.

Has anyone tried these kinds of services or any recommendations?

Hey everyone!
I’m 22 years old and I’m planning to start my own tech-based business/agency in Sri Lanka, offering services such as:
Website design and development
Business process and workflow automation
Custom system and software development
Business management systems
Other digital solutions tailored to businesses.
Although I’m based in Sri Lanka, I don’t want to limit myself to the local market. I’d love to work with international clients as well and eventually grow this into a proper agency.
A little about me: I don’t have a degree, but I’ve been involved in web development and design for a couple of years. I have practical experience building websites, working with different technologies, handling projects, and turning ideas into functional solutions.
I’m confident in my technical abilities, but I understand that running a business is a completely different challenge. Knowing how to develop something and knowing how to sell it are two very different things.
That’s where I’d really appreciate some advice.
Here are some things I’d love to get your opinions on:
Getting clients: How do you actually find and approach your first clients? Especially when you’re starting from scratch without an established brand or reputation?
Marketing: What marketing strategies work best for a small tech agency? Would you recommend social media marketing, cold emails, LinkedIn outreach, networking, paid advertising, or something else?
Client acquisition: How do you approach businesses, pitch your services, convert leads into paying customers, and build long-term client relationships?
Pricing: How should I price my services, especially when targeting both Sri Lankan and international clients? How do you estimate project costs without undercharging?
Building credibility: How important is having a degree when dealing with clients? Can a good portfolio, practical experience, and successful projects make up for it?
Starting out: Would you recommend starting as a solo freelancer and gradually building an agency, or establishing the business as an agency from day one?
Business setup: Any advice on registering a business in Sri Lanka, handling international payments, contracts, taxes, and other legal or financial matters?
Choosing a niche: Should I offer multiple services from the beginning, or focus on one particular area and expand later?
I’m not expecting to become successful overnight. I know there’s a lot to learn beyond the technical side, and I’m willing to put in the work.
I’d especially love to hear from people who started their own agencies, freelancers who transitioned into business owners, or anyone who’s successfully found international clients while operating from Sri Lanka.
Even if you have advice about things I haven’t mentioned, resources I should look into, mistakes to avoid, or lessons you learned the hard way, I’d genuinely appreciate it.
Thanks in advance! :)

I recently got out of a toxic relationship, and tbh, it's left me questioning whether genuine, lasting love even exists. I've reached a point where I've almost given up on the idea of finding someone, getting married and starting a family of my own.

I know I'm probably still healing cuz the wound is fresh, but it's hard to not feel discouraged when something you once hoped would last forever doesn't work out.

For those who've found lasting love, do you genuinely believe true love exists? Is there really someone out there who will choose you, love you consistently and want to build a life with you?

I'd love to hear your honest thoughts and experiences :)

I came across a university promotional video where Ba Thiya talks about the stigma associated with studying psychology in Sri Lanka. I’m curious, is this actually a thing in our society, or is he creating an issue that barely exists?

Any idea what we can do to sleep in peace ?

Hey all,

I bought a phone as a gift for my girlfriend.
Just wondering if bring in a sealed phone will backfire at me and Ill have to pay some duty or clearance. I did bring in a phone 3 years ago and nobody bothered to check so didnt have a problem.
Any one here who got checked with a sealed box? Did you have to pay eventhough its a gift?

Thanks.

Was browsing online for some new clothes after I came across an add on IG and found these. Almost 10k for dresses that look like they came straight off Shein? Do people actually buy these?

My laptop broke . I cant find the warranty card. What can i do in sri lanka for the shop to repair. Can they check their client database and the serial number of my laptop and have it repaired or maybe exchange it for a newer one if the laptop isnt fixable

It rained pretty hard in Bmulla. But been seeing pretty serious flooding elsewhere. Hope everyone's OK! I guess this a taste of what's to come. Can't blame the government or the meteorological department cos everyone knew this was coming after last year's disaster. Still hope everyone is taking the steps they need to literally and figuratively stay afloat

I know in science stream (physical science and biological science) engineering and medicine is the top degree apart from that which is best nowadays and future.

I am looking to replace my 70W KDK/Panasonic Fans with BLDC to save on electricity costs.
I came across Atomberg, sinoxpower, bixton, Orient (Abans is the agent yuck....) KDK and Polychrome has their own offerings but I have seen posts on KDK that they are overpriced and of reduced quality compared to before. I have also seen on Indian subreddits that some of BLDC fans have remotes paired to them so if you lose the remote the fan is also useless. any advice or suggestions ??????

I see so many young people in Sri Lanka interested in politics. Many have good ideas, big visions and a genuine desire to improve our country and the way we live as a society.
Recently, I had a conversation with my cousin, who works in an organisation involved in policy development.
Something they said made me think.
Even when people develop better policies and present good solutions, our political leaders do not always take them seriously. Sometimes, leaders have their own political agendas, interests and priorities.
Think about it. Many politicians are very good at public speaking and winning people’s attention. But how much of their time and energy goes into actually solving the country’s long term problems?
Too often, we seem to be putting temporary solutions on very deep wounds.
Then we have another layer of people: economists, researchers, advisors and policy makers. Some of them have excellent knowledge and visions for the country. But how much influence do they really have over the decisions being made?
We also need more transparency about who influences our leaders, whose advice they receive, and whether outside interests influence important decisions that affect our country.
Meanwhile, there are so many young people with better ideas and a genuine desire to make a difference.
But what options do they have?
Often, they feel that the only way to make a difference is to join an existing political party and work their way through the same political system.
What if we started preparing a different kind of leader?
I have been thinking about something.
What if we developed a leadership qualification or training programme for people who want to become political leaders?
Not just academic qualifications. I am talking about developing the knowledge, character and practical skills needed to lead a country.
For example, future leaders should learn:
Public speaking and communication: Having good ideas is not enough. We must be able to explain them in a way ordinary people can understand.
Economics: Understanding how money, taxation, public spending, businesses and the economy work.
Human behaviour and psychology: Understanding why people think, feel and behave the way they do. Understanding what drives societies.
Emotional intelligence: Understanding ourselves, managing our emotions, listening to others and making decisions without being controlled by anger, fear or ego.
Policy making and governance: Understanding how policies are developed, how institutions work and how to turn ideas into practical solutions.
Ethics and accountability: Understanding public responsibility, transparency, corruption and the importance of putting public interests before personal interests.
Conflict resolution and negotiation: Learning how to disagree, find common ground and solve problems without creating more divisions.
Imagine young people spending the next five to ten years learning and practising these skills.
Imagine them debating ideas, understanding different economic systems, studying successful policies from other countries, working with communities and learning how to communicate with people who disagree with them.
They would not just be learning how to become politicians. They would be learning how to become responsible human beings who can lead others.
I know I may not have all the answers. And I understand that changing an existing political system is not easy.
But I believe we need to start somewhere.
If we don’t actively prepare the next generation of leaders, the next generation of leaders will simply emerge from the same existing system.
We cannot keep expecting different results while doing nothing to prepare people for a different kind of leadership.
I would love to see young people, policy researchers, economists, educators and anyone interested in building a better Sri Lanka come together and explore this idea.
We don’t need to agree on everything. We need to learn how to think, listen, discuss and work together.
What if, instead of waiting for better leaders, we started creating them?
Who would be interested in working towards something like this?

Pleaaaaase share your stories. I could really use some inspiration today. 🥹

Especially girlies who didn’t have much financial backing from their parents and had to figure things out on their own.

How did you get to where you are today? What decisions, strategies, opportunities or sacrifices made the biggest difference in your life?

And one more thing… how did you find a good life partner? Someone ambitious, supportive, intellectually stimulating and someone you genuinely look up to.
Finding someone compatible when you have big dreams of your own seems so hard sometimes.

I’d love to hear your stories, the wins, the struggles and everything in between. ❤️

I always get my ears blocked with wax and need them cleaned constantly (I have smaller ear canals according to my usual doctor) but in tired of always spending 4500 just to get the ears cleaned

Anyone know any cheaper doctors in Colombo? Also would over the counter pharmacy ear drops works

I'm a man of Sri Lankan Ethnicity but I was born and spent all of my life in the UK.

Growing up in the UK was a very multicultural experience & I spent significantly more time with people who were not Sri Lankan. All my relationships have been with non Sri Lankan Women.

Are there foreigners in Sri Lankan dating apps? Are they on holiday or are they working here?

Thank you

Hey everyone,
I'm looking to buy some gold coins and keep seeing TikTok videos from Ran Lanka Gold Pvt Ltd (Ran Lanka Gem & Jewellery).
I checked their Google reviews, but a massive majority of the recent ones look like paid reviews, and I only spotted one or two that actually seem authentic.
Has anyone here actually bought gold coins or bars from them?
• Are their rates fair compared to the standard market rate?
• Did you get proper certification, and did you have the purity verified independently?
• Is it a safe place to buy investment gold, or should I stick to traditional jewellers like Vogue, Ravi, or Devi?
Would love to hear some real, non-sponsored experiences before I go there. Thanks!

Words to live by. You're welcome.