Lucien and Sri Kanthi Wijetunga come to UK.

email from 'Kalu Nana'

Had a meal with Lucien and wife Srikanthi at Malabar Junction restaurant in Bloomsbury London.

Dinil Wicks and wife Prabha, Sarojini and me joined the party.
Happy memories indeed.
27.9.14

Benefits of Eating Raw Onions.

email from Kamalini Kanapathippillai. Well, it is surprising to know that these vegetables that we use to add flavour and aroma to the dish have many health benefits. If eaten raw, onion and garlic can be really good for the body. Raw onions have sulphur compounds and essential vitamins that can be best consumed raw. If cooked, the essential nutrients and vitamins get lost. So, if you love onion salad, here are few good reasons to have it regularly. Health benefits of eating raw onions: Cures constipation:  The fibre in raw onions help flush out toxins and hard food particles that get stuck in the intestines. If you are suffering from constipation, have raw onions. An Ayurveda medicine for sore throat:  If you are suffering from cold, cough and a sore throat, have fresh onion juice. Add jaggery or honey to the onion juice. Remedy for bleeding problems:  Have a bleeding nose or suffer from piles? Have raw onions. It is one simple and effective home remedy to cure piles naturally. To cure a bleeding nose, cut a raw onion and smell it for some time. The white onions can help cure bleeding problems. Controls diabetes:  This is one of the health benefits of eating raw onions. If consumed raw, onions increase the production of insulin. So, if you are diabetic, you have a good reason to munch crisp raw onion salad regularly. Protects the heart:  Regular consumption of raw onion protects the heart from coronary diseases. It controls high blood pressure and also opens blocked arteries. This is one of the known health benefits of eating raw onions. Controls cholesterol levels:  The small herbaceous plant vegetable has a very good health benefit for obese people and heart patients. Raw onions control cholesterol by reducing the bad cholesterol (LDL) levels. It has methylallyl sulphide as well as the sulphur-containing amino-acids that lowers bad cholesterol and increases good cholesterol (HDL) levels. Prevents growth of cancer cells:  Onion is rich in sulphur compounds. Sulphur protects the body from stomach, colon, breast, lung and prostate cancer and prevents the growth of cancer cells. It also helps cure urinary tract disorders. Treats anaemia:  We often see tears flowing from the eyes while chopping onions. The sulphur-containing oils and organic sulphides lead to tears once it enters the nostrils. These oils help treat anaemia. Note that the oils and the effect of organic sulphides reduce when the onions are cooked. So, to treat anaemia, have raw onions. These are few health benefits of eating raw onions. You can have raw onions in sandwiches, mix with your vegetable salad or use as toppings for hamburgers and chaats. To prevent the strong and pungent mouth odour of raw onions, brush your teeth and have some mouth fresheners like cardamom or clove.

'GOIGAMA LANSIYAS'

email from Gunsie

Received from a classmate of mine!

  

Following is an interesting piece by former Sri Lankan (Sinhala) DIG of Police now domiciled in Canada:

Recently I enjoyed reading a lively discussion in a newspaper about the ‘Govigama Burghers’.

The first time I heard the term ‘Govigama Lansia’ being used in lighter vein was by my cousin the late Neville Algama. He referred to his friend and classmate at Royal College V.T. Dickman as ‘Govigama Lansia’.

Siva Rajaratnam that affable Attorney- at- law who hailed from Trincomalee became a dear friend of mine after he cross-examined me for several days before the Sansoni Commission. He too had been a classmate of Dickman’s.

In 1980 when I was the DIG–Metropolitan, Siva invited me to his Royal College batch mates’ annual get-together at his Wellawatta Rohini Road residence as the guest of honour, although I was not from that Reid Avenue school.

Among others present on this occasion were Neville Algama and Nissanka Wijeratne who was then a cabinet minister.

When V.T. Dickman arrived it was Nissanka Wijeratne who announced aloud, “Here comes the Govigama Lansia!”

Dickman was surprised to see his superior officer seated next to the minister.

My instant reaction was to loudly observe, “Sir, Vernon is only one of the many Govigama Lansias in the Police.”

Such terms were freely used by friends in the company of Sinhalese, Tamils, Burghers and Muslims. That was indeed the wonderful spirit of the time.

Perhaps, many today do not know that a common party song of the time sung by all had words such as “Sinhalaya modaya, kevun kanna yodaya, Demalaya, panankottaya, Thambiya, hambaya, Lansia, kerapotha etc.”

Songs of this nature brought the youth of different communities together.

There was no animosity whatsoever.

The term ‘Govigama Lansia’ was certainly complimentary. It was applicable in full measure to the many burgher gentlemen that formed the backbone of the Ceylon Police that I joined as an ASP in 1958.

At that time there were only about sixty Senior Gazetted Officers. Of these senior officers there were many burghers. Almost all of them became my good friends.

The Officer’s Mess on Brownrigg Road with Jamis the butler in attendance, was the pleasant meeting place particularly during the week-ends.

Wilhellem Leembrugen was one of the three DIGs, Cecil Wambeek, Richard Arndt, Harry Vanden Driesen and Jack Vansanden were Superintendents.

The Burgher ASPs were Fred Brohier, R.A. Stork, Ian Vanden Driesen, Ainsley Batholemeuz, Royden Vanderwall, Allen Flamer-Caldera and Paddy Sims.

There were many Govigama Lansias among the inspectorate too.

Those that readily come to mind are: V.T. Dickman, Taylor, Rosairo, Pietersz, the Balthazar brothers, Eddie Gray, Barney Henricus, Dick Hopman, Derrick and Hague Christofelsz, Thomas, Sweetie Weber, Ron Jansz, Dudley Von Haght, Barthelot, Vernon Elias, Mike Schokman, Brindley Stava and Gerry Paul.

The Burgher community was so respected and widespread that many had been recruited as constables. They had the distinct advantage of the ability to work in English.

The sergeants and constables of the time were very important public officials that functioned at grass roots level in the villages. As an ASP fifty years ago, there were many Police stations where sergeants were the OICs that came under my purview. Sergeants Pietersz and Whatmore were excellent court officers.

Even lawyers and magistrates respected their knowledge of the law. Of course, Derrick Christofelsz, the Chief Inspector of the Colombo Magistrates’ Court was highly regarded by judges and lawyers. When he walked into the court house he drew the attention a Queen’s Counsel would have drawn.

It is with nostalgia that I recall the names of burgher constables who served under me in different police districts in the late fifties and the sixties. The names that come to mind are Ryde, Leitch, Hesse Leiton, Hendrick, Hingert, Koelmeyer, Raymond, lsaacs and Wally Bastian the reputed exponent of true Portuguese Kaffringha music. He was one of the few talented officers who kept the Colombo Police ‘Traffic Circus’ alive in the sixties.

The ‘Lansias’ of the police were truly ‘Govigama Lansias’. They undoubtedly enjoyed a place of honour in the history of the Sri Lanka Police.

Ex - DIG Henry Dullewe
Business Services
The Royal Bank of Scotland N.V., (Canada) Branch
79 Wellington Street West, Toronto, Ontario, M5K 1G8, Canada
Office: +1 416 367 7993 | Fax: +1 416 366 5085

Great WILDLIFE photography...

email forwarded by

Gallege De Silva 09:43 (20 hours ago)  Great WILDLIFE photography... To:  Think before you print this email. Help make a difference. Save Paper! Save a Tree! Save the Earth! Attachments area Click on web-link to save file and view later:- Preview attachment Wildlife_Photographer_of_the_Year_2013.pps Wildlife_Photographer_of_the_Year_2013.pps

Aluvihara Cave Temple - Sri Lanka.

email forwarded by JKS Weerasekera.

Aluvihara - it is a name of the olden ages that still resonates, a place held in deep reverence, a temple, where a historical episode unfolded; it

invites one to appreciate an unprecedented event of religious significance, dwellings and artefacts of archaeological value and a curious and

picturesque setting, all of which define its existence. The Aluvihara Cave Temple has irrevocably etched a place in the annals of Sri Lankan

history. Ask any local familiar with the history of the Island of the Aluvihara Cave Temple and they are most likely to say that it is where the mammoth task of

transcribing the Buddhist teachings or Tipitaka (colloquially termed Tripitaka) - the three baskets of law - took place centuries ago. Till then the Buddhist

teachings had been preserved through word of mouth for centuries. This knowledge alone draws pilgrims, historians and archaeologists from far and wide to

visit the temple precincts and explore its hidden mysteries and even legends. Notable figures from neighbouring countries have themselves left indelible marks

of their visits to the temple as venerations.

Along the Matale-Dambulla road of the A9, the Cave Temple lies 30km north of Kandy. It is a convenient stop en-route the renowned cultural triangle of the

Island. Its entrance is unmistakable in that the arched gateway is flanked by boundary walls bearing a series of sculptured elephant heads. Through the arches

the road stretches like a straight ribbon to a flight of fairly steep steps that leads to the heart of the rock temple.

Large precipitous boulders leap into view. Upon entering the main cave complex it appears as though a large boulder fell upon the earth and cracked open

leaving a dramatic, deep cleft. Craggy landscape springs up at each turn towering over the narrow alleyways. It gives one the impression that a tirade of

boulders fell one upon the other. Snuggled beneath these boulders are ‘len' or the caves that appear to strain timidly beneath. These rugged structures

overtime have become swathed here and there by the lushness of nature.

The Historical

The era that King Walagamba came to rule was one of strife due to foreign invasions and famine that plagued the island for many years. Following a selfimposed

exile of 14 years the King reclaimed the throne and in 88 BC the urgency to preserve the Buddha's teachings was felt as its verbal transmission was

no longer deemed safe. Some of the Arahant monks who had sought refuge in India from the 12 year long famine returned and converged with the remaining

Arahants in the Island to commit the teachings to writing. Thus the Fifth Buddhist Council was held at the Aluvihara Cave Temple in the 1st Century BC. It is

thought that King Walagamba deemed the Aluvihara Cave Temple suitable due to its secluded setting away from the conflict ridden capital, Anuradhapura.

One can only imagine a conclave of 500 scholarly Arahants reciting the doctrines while the scribes embedded the words into the written form on palm leaves

with the use of a special stylus. Reaching a consensus on acceptable versions of the doctrines, thereafter its reciting, and finally transcribing along with

commentaries justifiably lasted many years to reach completion.

However these treasured manuscripts were wholly destroyed by the British in 1848 during the Matale Rebellion. An attempt to repeat history with the

rewriting of the Tipitaka was made during 1981 - 1991 marking the Sixth Buddhist Council held once again at the Aluvihara. These manuscripts are stored to

this day at the Temple's museum.

Following the narrow alleyway farther upwards finally leads to the pinnacle upon which sits a small pearly white stupa built in 1812. Walking around its small

circumference one can alternate between an overview of the rock monastery complex below and the mountainous backdrop in the distance. Deeper below

lie more of the natural caves hidden away from the main complexes in the grooves of the landscape amidst the surrounding greenery and an abundance of

cocoa trees. One can almost picture an ascetic seated within. Even today, monks reside here and give sermons to the gathered devotees.

Exploring the many sections of the temple one wonders where 500 Arahant monks would have resided. Yet there are many caves hidden from view in and

beyond the premises and the immediate precincts are home to 11 natural caves. The main cave complex is an image house sheltering the reclining Buddha

statue and is supposedly where the Fifth Buddhist Council was held. The walls within are intricately muralled and even the aged doorways adorn inimitable

designs belonging to the 18th Century Kandyan period. Farther down the complex is a cave housing a replication of the historical event.

Further to the many murals pertaining to Buddhist scriptures, Buddha statues and the intriguing caves, there are many ancient markings of interest that one can

keep an eye out for. The first of these is a short Brahmini inscription on the exterior of the main cave complex beneath a dripledge - a rock-hewn ledge to

shelter the cave from rainfall.

The name

Originating from the terms ‘Alu lena' or ‘Aloka Lena' that translates to ‘luminous cave', the name evolved to ‘Alu Vihara' or ‘luminous temple'. There are

many reasonings and legends behind the name. One theory is that the main cave where the writing of the Tipitaka took place faced east and thus received the

morning rays and remained illuminated. Another reasoning is that the writing of the Tipitaka bestowed a doctrinal illumination to mankind and is hence suitably

named.

The second is a carved bas-relief of a bo tree on a large boulder that lies beneath the ancient tree. Another, an imprint of Buddha's footprint at the summit

near the stupa believed to be a replication of the one at the Adam's Peak summit.

Another structure of interest is the sand bench situated inconspicuously beside the main complex. In ancient times apprentices first practiced their writing skills

with the tip of their forefinger on this sand bench before proceeding with the arduous task of writing holy scriptures on palm leaves. More valued artefacts

recovered from the ruins are stored in the Temple's museum including the Yantra Gala, a stone slab cut into 25 compartments in which offerings to the

Buddha relic are placed and Chatra Gala, a circular stone slab used as an umbrella shade for the stupa.

Of the many cave temples in Sri Lanka, the Aluvihara is one that simply cannot be overlooked. Its tranquil and captivating surroundings are nature's tribute to

ancient monastic dwellings. Feet that may ever stray upon these premises will assuredly stumble upon an authentic account of history, a spiritual encounter or

an air of the mystique - shedding light into a distant past.

Eating a curry 'can help beat dementia'

In laboratory tests carried out by a team from Germany, aromatic turmerone promoted the proliferation of brain stem cells and their development into neurons.

Read the full story:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2770380/Eating-curry-help-beat-dementia-Ingredient-turmeric-hold-key-repairing-brains-people-condition.html

27 September 2014

Seruwavila – view through a cell-phone.

Photos taken by me on a recent trip to this site with a history spanning two millennia.

Please click on the web-link below with speakers on:-

http://youtu.be/qmaVlYZWMSk

Flower Delivery .....

I truly believe in this. How many flowers end up at the funeral home and how many flowers did the dead person enjoy while they were alive? Here's an e-flower from me! Enjoy your day!

I would rather have one rose and a kind word from a friend while I'm here, than a whole truck load when I'm gone.

These Are For You !!!

Just forward these to all your friends.

And please don't decide that you're too busy for this.

Remember the phrase ....
'Stop and Smell the Flowers' ???
Let's just see how many 'Bouquets' You end up with'

Happiness keeps you Sweet,
Trials keep you Strong,
Sorrows keep you Human,
Failures keep you Humble,
Success keeps you Glowing,
But ... Only Friends ....
Keep You Going !!!

Drumsticks: One solutions to several health problems.

The Indian Express

Saturday, 05 July 2014

By: Ishi Khosla

While most plant foods offer nutritional and health benefits, some stand out more prominently and are called super foods. The humble drumstick, also known as Moringa Oleifera and commonly used in sambhar — a lentil preparation — has been referred to as ‘miracle tree’, ‘tree of life’, ‘mother’s best friend’, ‘god’s gift to man’ and ‘savior of the poor’, in various publications.

Drumsticks have an impressive range of medicinal values. Different parts of this plant contain important minerals. It is also a good source of proteins, vitamins, amino acids, antioxidants such as beta carotene and phenolic compounds. Some of these antioxidants are present in the plant in exceptional amounts and rare combinations.

Various parts of this plant such as roots, bark, leaves, flowers, fruits, and seeds also possess cardio-protective, liver protective, anti-tumour, anti-inflammatory, anti-pyretic, anti-spasmodic, anti-diabetic and anti-fungal properties, and hence, is also used for the treatment of different ailments in traditional system of medicine in South Asia.

Moringa Oleifera, native to the sub-Himalayan northern parts of India, is cultivated in the tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world. It is commonly known as drumstick, horseradish, and malunggay. Its seeds and pods are eaten as a vegetable. States in the south of Indian are more familiar with its use and benefits, which dates back to antiquity.

Moringa is an important food source in some parts of the world. Being cheap, easily available and highly nutritious — it is used in feeding programmes in India and Africa to fight malnutrition. The immature green pods (drumsticks) are prepared in ways similar to green beans, while the seeds are removed from mature pods and cooked like peas or roasted like nuts. The leaves are cooked and used like spinach, and they are also dried, powdered and used as a condiment. Dried powder of Moringa is sold as an exotic supplement in the western world.

Moringa Oleifera is also rich in potassium, calcium, phosphorus, iron, magnesium, vitamins A, C and D, essential amino acids, fibre and antioxidants such as ß-carotene, and flavonoids. It has been used in folk medicine for the treatment of diabetes. A recent research conducted in 2010 studied the hypoglycemic effect of Moringa Oleifera leaf over a 40-day period in type-2 diabetic patients between 30 – 60 years of age. It was reported that fasting and post-parandial blood sugar levels were reduced significantly.

Researchers also studied the effect of Moringa Oleifera on lipid levels and it was reported that there was significant reduction in levels of bad cholesterol (LDL and VLDL) and significant increase in good cholesterol (HDL).

Another study published in the Journal of Herbal Medicine and Toxicology in 2010 reported that Moringa Oleifera leaves played an important role in reducing total blood cholesterol levels and LDL and increasing HDL. Various scientific studies have also shown that the phyto-chemicals and fibre present in Moringa Oleifera leaves also play an important role reducing blood cholesterol levels and blood sugar levels.

Until more scientific evidence emerges on Moringa’s use as a therapeutic agent or supplement, incorporating drumsticks and its leaves imaginatively in your favourite foods is surely worth it.

Ishi Khosla is a former senior nutritionist at Escorts. She heads the Centre of Dietary Counselling and also runs a health food store. She feels that for complete well-being, one should integrate physical, mental and spiritual health.

According to her: “To be healthy should be the ultimate goal for all.”

Hands that Serve are holier than the lips that Pray - Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba