Quick Reads
Shehan Karunatilaka and his approach to explore the Sri Lankan conflict of the 1980’s though “The Seven Moons of Maali”
The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida by Shehan Karunatilaka, a Sri lankan writer, won the Booker Prize 2022 which is one of the most prestigious literary awards in the world. Shehan Karunarilaka’s work is being appreciated for its approach of presenting a new concept of afterlife journalism. This is his second novel that follows the experiences of a dead war photographer in his afterlife. This is not the first time when he has given us a masterpiece, his debut novel, Chinaman: The Legend of Pradeep Mathewis too a notable work which won the Commonwealth Prize, the Gratiaen Prize the DSC Prize and was adjudged as the second greatest cricket book of all time by Wisden.

As a citizen living in Sri Lanka during the civil war of Sri Lanka in the 1980’s, Shehan Karunatilaka closely saw and examined the political and communal violence around him which was normalised to an extent that it appeared more mundane than terrifying.
From 1983 to 2009, the island of Sri Lanka witnessed one the most brutal civil wars in human history. According to estimates the dead numbered around one lakh making the whole country overpopulated with spirits. The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida takes us to the time and presents us with a dysfunctional system through the experiences of a debauched protagonist. Maali is a son of Sinhalese father and a burgher mother. He loves and trusts his Nikon camera and has a passion for photography. And his journey starts when he wakes up dead!
At first he thinks he is hallucinating because of some silky pill he took but not much later, he realized that he is actually dead and locked in some kind of underworld. The underworld here is a tax office and everyone there wanted their rebate. He noticed some of the souls who were physically incapable of standing in the line to get their forms filled. The protagonist meets many souls in the underworld including a Tamil university lecturer who was gunned down for criticizing militant separatist group the Tamil Tigers and it was not much surprising that most of them were the victims of violence that tormented Sri Lanka in the 80’s. This was the novel’s approach to depict the victims of the Marxist group, the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna or People’s Liberation party, who similarly waged an insurrection against the Sri Lankan government, and killed many working-class civilians who pointed fingers at them.
Since our protagonist here is a photojournalist, he has witnessed the brutality of the insurrections in Sri Lanka as he worked for newspapers and magazines. He has a record of pictures that can bring the government down or can even stop the nation reckoning riots. Some of such pictures include Burning Tamil homes and slaughter of occupants by the savages of ’83, while a government minister just looks at it., portraits of disappeared journalists and activists, who were bound or dead in custody and many more. And he remembers storing all these pictures underneath his bed in his family home. The challenge here is that Maali only has seven moons to get in contact with someone he can trust to retrieve and circulate these stash of pictures throughout Colombo.
The pictures will help people understand by exposing the profoundly hateful and violent nature of the nationwide conflict. According to the book every person should get seven moons to wander and recall his/her past lives. Maali here understands the fragility of life through his own death and he believes his photos have the power to affect the nationwide blackout. Maali just has these seven moons to save his work from going to oblivion. And here is where his journalistic mission in the afterlife begins.

The book has been written in the second person and has satirical humor. Dark scenarios of a real life conflict have been presented with absurdity here. Dead bodies bickering at each other but executed with humor and pathos are some of the elements that ground the reader. Beneath being an intriguing read, this literary masterpiece explores the terrifying yet true reality of the carnage of Sri Lankan civil war.
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Lifestyle
Work-Life Balance: The Reality of Today’s Mothers
One of the biggest misconceptions is that mothers can “have it all” perfectly. In reality, balance is rarely about equal time; it’s about prioritization. Some days work demands more attention, while on others, family needs come first.
Social media often adds pressure by portraying flawless parenting, successful careers, and perfect homes. This unrealistic standard can make mothers feel inadequate. The truth is, work-life balance for mothers is often messy, dynamic, and deeply personal.
Common Challenges Faced by Working Mothers
1. Time Management Pressure
Managing work schedules, school timings, doctor appointments, and personal responsibilities can feel overwhelming.
2. Emotional Guilt
Many mothers experience guilt either for spending less time with children or for not focusing enough on career growth.
3. Mental and Physical Burnout
Continuous multitasking often leads to fatigue, stress, and emotional exhaustion.
4. Lack of Support Systems
Not all mothers have access to flexible workplaces, supportive partners, or reliable childcare.

Why Work-Life Balance Matters
When mothers achieve a healthier balance, it benefits the entire family. Reduced stress improves mental well-being, strengthens relationships, and sets a positive example for children about healthy living and ambition.
A balanced mother is not a perfect mother she is a healthier, happier, and more present one.
Practical Tips for Better Work-Life Balance
Set Realistic Expectations
Perfection is not the goal. Focus on what truly matters each day.
Learn to Delegate
Sharing responsibilities with partners, family members, or professional help can reduce pressure.
Prioritize Self-Care
Physical health, mental breaks, and personal time are essential, not optional.
Create Boundaries
Separate work hours from family time whenever possible to maintain quality in both areas.
Embrace Flexibility
Balance may look different every day, and that’s okay.

The Role of Employers and Society
Work-life balance is not solely a mother’s responsibility. Companies can support mothers through flexible schedules, remote work options, maternity benefits, and childcare support. Society, too, must move beyond unrealistic expectations and acknowledge the real struggles mothers face.
The reality of today’s mothers is not about doing everything perfectly it’s about navigating multiple roles with resilience, love, and determination. Work-life balance is less about dividing time equally and more about creating harmony in an ever-demanding world.
Every mother’s journey is unique, and success should not be measured by perfection, but by well-being, fulfillment, and the courage to keep going.
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Lifestyle
The Rise of Virtual Influencers: Real Fame or Just Digital Illusion?
Scroll through social media today, and you might come across glamorous fashion models, lifestyle creators, or music stars with millions of followers only to realize they don’t actually exist. Welcome to the world of virtual influencers, where computer-generated personalities are becoming internet celebrities, landing major brand deals, and shaping online culture just like real humans.
Virtual influencers are digital characters designed using CGI, AI, and creative storytelling. They have carefully crafted personalities, unique styles, and social media profiles that feel incredibly real. Some share fashion tips, some promote luxury brands, and others even talk about social issues. At first glance, it’s easy to forget these influencers are entirely fictional.

So why are they becoming so popular? The answer lies in the changing nature of fame itself. Social media has always been about attention, aesthetics, and engagement and virtual influencers are built perfectly for that world. They never age, never face personal scandals, and can be customized to fit any trend or campaign. For brands, this is a dream come true. Instead of working with unpredictable human influencers, companies get complete control over image, messaging, and reputation.
But while this may sound futuristic and exciting, it also raises important questions. Social media became powerful because people connected with real stories, real struggles, and authentic personalities. Virtual influencers blur that connection. Their lives, opinions, and emotions are often scripted by teams of creators, making their “authenticity” feel questionable. Can followers truly relate to someone who doesn’t exist, or are they simply engaging with digital entertainment?
This is where the debate around “real or fake fame” becomes more interesting. Fame today is no longer based only on talent or human presence it’s about visibility, engagement, and influence. If a virtual influencer can inspire trends, sell products, and shape conversations, does it really matter that they aren’t real? For many younger audiences, especially Gen Z, digital identity is already a huge part of life, so the line between real and virtual may not feel as important as it once did.

Still, there are concerns about transparency and ethics. As virtual influencers become more lifelike, audiences may not always realize they are interacting with fictional creations. This can create trust issues, especially when it comes to advertising or promoting unrealistic beauty standards. The more realistic these digital stars become, the more society will need clear boundaries around honesty and disclosure.
The rise of virtual influencers is more than just a passing trend it’s a reflection of how technology is reshaping culture, marketing, and even celebrity itself. They represent a future where influence can be designed, programmed, and marketed just as strategically as any product.
In the end, virtual influencers may not replace human creators, but they are definitely redefining what fame looks like in the digital age. Whether you see them as innovative, entertaining, or slightly unsettling, one thing is clear: in today’s online world, fame doesn’t always have to be real to be powerful.
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Lifestyle
Luxury Mindset: How Rich People Think Differently
Success is rarely just about money it begins with mindset. Wealthy individuals often approach life, decisions, and opportunities differently than the average person. The “luxury mindset” is not merely about owning expensive cars, designer brands, or lavish homes; it’s about thinking strategically, valuing time, and building lasting wealth.
They Focus on Assets, Not Appearances
Wealthy people often prioritize building assets over chasing appearances. Instead of spending most of their income on luxury cars, designer brands, or temporary status symbols, they focus on investments that appreciate or generate income over time. They are more likely to put money into businesses, real estate, stocks, or valuable skills that create financial growth. Their mindset is centered on ownership and wealth creation, understanding that true luxury comes from financial strength rather than simply looking successful.
They Value Time More Than Money
Rich people often see time as their most valuable resource because unlike money, time cannot be recovered. This is why they focus on efficiency, delegation, and scalability. They invest in systems, teams, or services that allow them to free up their schedule for bigger opportunities. Instead of working endlessly for income, they think about how to make their time produce greater returns through smart decisions, investments, and strategic action.
They Think Long-Term
One of the defining traits of wealthy thinking is long-term vision. Rather than focusing only on immediate pleasure or short-term rewards, rich people often make decisions based on future outcomes. They are willing to wait for larger gains, understanding the value of patience, compound growth, and strategic planning. Whether it’s investing, business building, or personal branding, they often think years ahead while others focus only on today.

They See Opportunities Where Others See Risk
Many wealthy individuals think differently about uncertainty. While others may avoid risk completely, rich people often study it, understand it, and use it to their advantage. They know that major opportunities often exist where others hesitate. Instead of being paralyzed by fear, they focus on informed decision-making. Their ability to recognize potential in changing markets, emerging industries, or unconventional ideas often allows them to stay ahead.
They Build Powerful Networks
Rich people understand that success is rarely built alone. They place great value on relationships, connections, and strategic networking. By surrounding themselves with ambitious, knowledgeable, and influential individuals, they increase access to opportunities, partnerships, and insights. They know that the right environment can elevate their growth and that valuable connections often open doors faster than effort alone.
They Invest in Themselves
Wealthy thinkers often treat self-development as one of the highest-return investments. They continuously improve their knowledge, communication, leadership, and financial intelligence. They read, learn, hire mentors, and develop skills that increase their value in the marketplace. They understand that the more capable and informed they become, the more opportunities they can create.

They Control Emotions Around Money
A luxury mindset often includes emotional discipline. Rich people generally avoid impulsive financial decisions driven by ego, pressure, or trends. They think strategically, relying on logic and data more than emotion. This allows them to preserve wealth, avoid unnecessary losses, and make smarter long-term financial choices.
They Build Multiple Income Streams
Wealthy people rarely depend on a single source of income. They often create multiple streams through investments, businesses, partnerships, or passive income sources. This approach not only increases wealth but also creates financial security. Their mindset is focused on expansion, ensuring money works for them from different directions.
They Understand the Power of Branding
Rich people often recognize that perception and positioning matter. They invest in personal branding, reputation, and authority because they know opportunities are often attracted to those seen as credible and valuable. Whether in business or career, they understand that how they present themselves can significantly influence their earning potential.
They Define Luxury as Freedom
Above all, wealthy individuals often view luxury not just as material abundance but as freedom. Freedom of time, freedom of choice, and freedom from constant financial stress become their ultimate goal. For them, true wealth is the ability to live life on their own terms, making decisions based on desire rather than necessity.
The luxury mindset is less about spending and more about strategic thinking. Rich people often think differently because they prioritize growth, ownership, discipline, and long-term freedom.
You don’t need millions to start thinking like the wealthy you need perspective, strategy, and consistent action.
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