The sheadings are only as significant now .
The sheadings are only significant now :

Are these two sentences paraphrases of each other?
no

For centuries Sri Lanka , originally known as Senkadagala , has been the bastion of Kandy 's culture and its spiritual centre .
Sri Lanka , originally known as the Senkadagala , has been the bastion of the culture of Kandy and its spiritual centre for centuries .

Are these two sentences paraphrases of each other?
yes

'' Opson '' is therefore Banchan in Japanese and Okazu in Korean cuisine equivalent .
'' Opson '' is therefore Banchan in Korean cuisine and Okazu equivalent in Japanese cuisine .

Are these two sentences paraphrases of each other?
no

He chose to teach Indian history '' because he wanted to study it '' .
He decided to study Indian history because he wanted to teach it .

Are these two sentences paraphrases of each other?
no