The Role of Acupuncture in Regulating the Gut-Brain Axis: Implications for the Treatment of Anxiety and DepressionBusinessBy Dr sir Don Buddika Sri Ranga kumara vittahachchi MD(TM), Msc, PhD (Alternative medicine )AbstractAnxiety and depression are linked to gut–brain axis (GBA) dysregulation and often respond inadequately to conventional treatments. Keywords: Anxiety, Depression, Gut–Brain Axis, AcupunctureIntroductionAnxiety and depression are major global health concerns with limitations in conventional treatments. MethodologyThis study employed a sequential explanatory mixed-methods design to investigate acupuncture’s effects on anxiety and depression via the gut–brain axis. Data analysis and findingsThis study employed a mixed-methods approach to examine acupuncture’s effects on anxiety, depression, and gut-brain axis (GBA) symptoms. Recommendations include integrating acupuncture into multi-modal treatment plans, educating patients on the gut-brain axis, and setting realistic expectations for cumulative benefits.

Court Registrar in Welimada arrested for BriberyNewsThe Registrar for Welimada District and Magistrate Court was arrested today for soliciting a bribe of Rs 500,000. He had demanded the bribe to assist in a land partition case. He collected the bribe at a restaurant near the Court complex. You can share this post!

NDB hosts Exclusive Education Expo at Kandana BranchBusinessNDB Bank recently concluded an exclusive Education Expo at its Kandana branch, designed specifically for the bank’s Privilege and Elevate clientele. The event was organised as part of NDB’s ongoing commitment to offering value-added, beyond-banking experiences to its high-net-worth customers, particularly in the rapidly growing sphere of overseas education, the bank said in a media release. With global education becoming an increasingly sought-after pathway for Sri Lankan families, the Expo served as a timely and curated platform where clients could access expert guidance on international study opportunities. More than 60 NDB customers attended the Expo, receiving personalised advice on admissions, programs, scholarships, career pathways, and settlement support, empowering them to make informed decisions about their children’s academic futures. The Expo also highlighted NDB’s enhanced Student File proposition, which offers streamlined financial support for overseas education, further demonstrating the bank’s dedication to delivering convenience and trusted advisory to Privilege and Elevate clients.

Sri Lanka's highest-ever record of annual tourism arrivals reached on MondayNewsSri Lanka on Monday (December 29) recorded the 2.3 millionth tourist in the country and easily overtook the previous highest record of 2,333,796 arrivals reached in 2018. With this year’s record arrivals, and two more days for the end of the year, Sri Lanka is expected to welcome at least another 15,000 tourists by the year’s end. You can share this post!

UNICEF to help with rebuilding damaged schools: PM View(s):The Ministry of Education and UNICEF will take necessary action to renovate damaged schools while relocating schools which are in high-risk locations to safe areas, according to an assessment of schools affected by Cyclone Ditwah. Prime Minister Harinin Amarasuriya made these remarks while visiting the Meegahakiula National School in Badulla on December 24, which was damaged after the cyclone. She also visited the preschool operating in Ketawatta Yodha Ulpatha Community Hall, which was completely damaged when a tree fell due to strong winds. She instructed officials to take steps to restart the preschool at a safe location. She inspected the Passara Yuri Tamil Primary School, which sustained severe damage due to a landslide.

Rogue hegemons are sabotaging the global economy View(s):By Arvind Subramanian, PROJECT SYNDICATE, EXCLUSIVE TO THE SUNDAY TIMES IN SRI LANKAWASHINGTON, DC – Although 2025 will probably be remembered as the year that US President Donald Trump upended the global trading system, the truth is that both of the world’s hegemons, the United States and China, have gone rogue. Surging US protectionism and resurgent Chinese mercantilism are now twin scourges afflicting the rest of the world, especially developing countries. Instead of providing global public goods, China and the US are inflicting global economic costs, and they are doing so in mutually reinforcing ways. In some sense, Chinese mercantilism begat US protectionism. But there have also been indirect effects, and chief among these is Chinese mercantilism.

Mother and daughter on a shared journey in poetry View(s):Unsaid Things, a poetry collection by mother and daughter Pia Hatch and Lessie Dayananda, that brings together two generations of lived experience was launched earlier this month. Though written independently over time, the writers’ voices come together - two journeys finding one shared space on the page. Published by The Jam Fruit Tree Publications, the book is both deeply personal and deliberately outward-facing, written not only to process individual histories but to reach out to those navigating silence, stigma and emotional isolation. The writing is raw and intimate, and at times confronting; a trigger warning appears at the beginning of the book. Unsaid Things is available through The Jam Fruit Tree Publications and at Kalaya in Battaramulla.

An English teacher looks back in this debut novel View(s):In his debut novel ‘Heard Melodies’, Dr. Kularatne Suriyaarachchi, an instructor and teacher educator, emerges as a gifted writer with fluid prose and insightful observations. With the gentle humour, which is perhaps the author’s gift, the book chronicles the life’s journey of an English teacher who navigates through education thriving in greater achievements. As it is a universal fact that no reader can escape from memories of school incidents, readers of any calibre would immensely enjoy this captivating novel. ‘Heard Melodies’ is a must-read book for aspiring writers, and mostly, for teachers of English to refresh their memories – pleasurable or otherwise. - Upali KarunatillekeShare This Post FacebookTwitterEmail × Send Email to FriendSend Please enter valid email WhatsappDeliciousDiggGoogleStumbleuponRedditTechnoratiYahooBloggerMyspaceRSS

SriLankan Airlines launches post–cyclone Destination Recovery Campaign View(s):SriLankan Airlines has launched a one-month international destination promotion campaign from December 16, aimed at restoring global confidence in Sri Lanka following Cyclone Ditwah and reaffirming the country’s readiness to welcome travellers. This campaign is designed to proactively reassure global audiences that Sri Lanka is ready, accessible and welcoming. Airline-led destination promotion also enables a direct link between inspiration and flight purchase, supporting load factors, route sustainability and tourism recovery. This initiative forms part of SriLankan Airlines’ broader efforts to support the country’s tourism recovery, while highlighting the resilience, dynamism, and continued excellence of Sri Lanka’s hospitality sector. The approximately two-minute video will feature Colombo and leading hotels in the city and will be disseminated across SriLankan Airlines’ social media channels and other digital platforms.

ComBank’s Cyclone Ditwah recovery support crosses Rs. 125 m View(s):The Commercial Bank of Ceylon this week announced a total commitment exceeding Rs. 125 million towards recovery efforts following Cyclone Ditwah, including a donation of Rs. 110 million to the Rebuild Sri Lanka Fund, to help the country recover. As an immediate response, it donated dry rations to be distributed by the Sri Lanka Air Force among more than 5,000 flood-affected families.

Technocity offers Rs. 50 m to support for SL’s relief efforts View(s):The Technocity (Pvt) Ltd, the leading authorised IT distributor in Sri Lanka for globally reputed brands such as HP, ASUS, MSI, Lenovo, BenQ, Raidmax, Kaspersky and more, has provided a Rs. 50 million relief initiative aimed at assisting impacted children and schools in the most severely-hit areas affected by the recent cyclone. The contribution, according to the company, includes Rs.20 million in cash for rebuilding physical infrastructure and Rs. Our commitment is to help families rebuild their lives with dignity and strength and The Technocity stands as a powerful symbol of unity and national solidarity.”Share This Post FacebookTwitterEmail × Send Email to FriendSend Please enter valid email WhatsappDeliciousDiggGoogleStumbleuponRedditTechnoratiYahooBloggerMyspaceRSS

Trump hotel to be established in the Maldives View(s):The Maldives, one of the most luxurious destinations in the world, is surging ahead with new resort openings – in the next few years – including one from US President Donald Trump’s company, while it aims to reach all price points, not only the luxury segment. Abdulla Ghiyas, chairman of the official Visit Maldives, said that guesthouse tourism, which taps the middle-to-lower income market, is growing in a big way. Planned for opening in 2026, DarGlobal, the London-listed luxury real estate developer, and The Trump Organization, now run by Trump’s children, last month launched Trump International Hotel Maldives, the brand’s first property in the Maldives, and the launch of the world’s first tokenised hotel development tied to the project. New campaigns and roadshows helped to boost arrivals and revenue,” he said in an interview. Another new development is the construction of hospitals alongside resorts as the Maldives hopes to focus on medical tourism.

BRICS chamber Sri Lanka in MOU with Indian chamber View(s):Ishanga Mahipala President BRICS Chamber of Commerce, Sri Lanka recently signed an MOU with Dr. B.B.L Madhukar President of BRICS Chamber of Commerce New Delhi India. Secretary – BRICS Chamber of Commerce, Sri Lanka. Hitad.lk has you covered with quality used or brand new cars for sale that are budget friendly yet reliable! Now is the time to sell your old ride for something more attractive to today's modern automotive market demands. Browse through our selection of affordable options now on Hitad.lk before deciding on what will work best for you!

Sri Lankans determined to rebuild their lives and livelihoods View(s):By Minaza HassanDuring this festive season, while celebrations are ongoing, many communities across Sri Lanka are also attempting to rebuild their lives and livelihoods while still grappling with the aftermath of the recent floods and landslides. Ms Banu and her family and others have relocated to a safer area but face serious health and sanitation issues. Many families in the area also lost their homes; some had even lost their loved ones, said Mr Riyal. However, compensation schemes often apply only to registered enterprises, leaving most of these women excluded from relief, said Dr Kottegoda. But there were cancellations of smaller events, such as Christmas parties, mainly out of sympathy rather than necessity, Mr Armstrong said.

Elephant House Ice Cream made in Australia View(s):Ceylon Cold Stores PLC (CCS), a subsidiary of John Keells Holdings PLC, has launched its iconic Elephant House Ice Cream in Australia. Elephant House is one of the highest-penetrated Sri Lankan brands among Sri Lankan communities living overseas, with a presence in 16 countries, including the Maldives, Australia, and the UK, among others. In a significant milestone for the company, Elephant House Ice Cream is now manufactured locally in Melbourne to support wider availability in the ethnic market in Australia. “We are thrilled to introduce Elephant House Ice Cream to the Australian market,” said Daminda Gamlath, President John Keells Consumer Foods Sector. Producing ice cream outside Sri Lanka for the first time is a major operational and brand achievement, made possible through collaboration with our partners in Australia.