Expressions

Why we need an education

Education means learning. We learn so many things from birth to death. We should have a sound education to be a good citizen and to be a recognised person in our country. Fortunately, in our country, we have a free education system thanks to the great effort made by Dr. C. W. W. Kannangara.

Today there are so many ways to get an education and enrich our knowledge. By reading books and watching educational TV programmes too we can improve our knowledge.

Due to the development of science and technology we have been given an opportunity to improve our knowledge by browsing the internet too.

We should make the maximum use of the privilege given to us to get an education by going to school.

There is a famous saying, which states “we reap what we sow”. Therefore we should learn well to achieve success in our future. Education is the main key that opens the door of our future. I believe that without a good education we can’t open the door to our future success. So, let’s learn well with enthusiasm and dedication.

P. M. Monali Prasangika Karunarathna, Grade 9F, Mayurapada Central College,Narammala.
 

Paddy harvesting

In our villages, harvesting paddy is one of the important activities. The farmers, after three months of hard work in the paddy fields, have come to the end of their task. After that the farmer rests for some time. A farmer is very happy if he gets a good harvest. Some times heavy rain, floods or droughts destroy his harvest. In the past the farmer had no machinery to help him in the work. But today the farmer uses hand tractors for almost all the work in the paddy field.

Ploughing and threshing were all done with the help of buffaloes and other farmers as well.

Harvesting is a very joyful activity. Many women join the farmers in singing “goyam kavi”. It is very melodious and can be heard from far away. This is a busy time for the owner of the paddy field. His wife and other members of the family with the help of their neighbours prepare tasty food for the men and women working in the field. The food that is carried to the field is called the “Embula”. People sit on the ground and eat the food served on plantain or lotus leaves.

Once the paddy is harvested it is carried to the threshing floor. Often the buffaloes or tractors are used for this purpose.

There are many rituals which are practised in the threshing floor. Everyone who participated gets a share of paddy. The people who come to help the farmer are not paid any money. The whole activity shows the value of unity. We must continue to have this type of unity and peace among our people.

D. Tharakabhanu de Alwis, Grade 7B, Royal College, Colombo 7.
 

Eat nutritious foods for a healthy life

Humans and animals both need food to survive. Without food all living beings will die. Humans need nutritious foods to stay strong and healthy. Some people think that we need food only to satisfy our hunger, but that is not the only reason. Proper nutrition from infancy is needed to help a child in his/her growth; in height and weight and also to develop strong bones.

Food like rice, jak, fresh vegetables and fruits and even sweet meats that we eat help in our growth.

When we buy or eat food we have to pay attention to the food pyramid to find out about the quality and the quantity of the food we take.

For example, butter, ghee and other foods which are rich in fats and oil have to be eaten in small amounts compared to food like rice, bread and string hoppers which are rich in carbohydrates, vegetables and greens rich in vitamins and meats rich in protein, which should be eaten in bigger quantities. We should try to have a balanced diet. But food alone does not help to maintain a healthy life. We must do exercises as a daily activity.

When we follow these habits, we can be healthy and have a healthy lifestyle.

J. P. S. Navodya Wijerathne, Grade 8-A (English Medium), Central College,Kuliyapitiya.
 

 If I could reform the education system in Sri Lanka

If I could reform the education system in Sri Lanka and even in the world I would be very happy. I would feel good about myself.

Firstly I would change the time that children have to go to school because it is hard to get up early in the morning. I’ll also use practical methods to teach the children so they could absorb the lessons more easily.

I’d instruct the teachers to teach the children more about the world they live in, because most children know only about themselves.I would also introduce practical and technical skills subjects to primary students. At present these subjects are only introduced at collegiate level. Because of these subjects children can learn cookery, handwork, needlework and various other skills which would help them to keep their homes clean and beautiful.

At present the education system in Sri Lanka is not very helpful to students.

The schools in Colombo are better than most village schools. So I would try to change the education system in village schools to the standard of the Colombo schools. Students from only rural schools have the Grade 5 scholarship by which to gain entrance to Colombo schools.

As students of other schools don’t have such a qualifying scheme, I will change this to make things equal.

If I could reform the education system every other year, to suit the changing needs of the students, I would be very happy.

M. V. Fatima Perera, Grade 9,St. Bridget’s Convent, Colombo 7.
 

My mother

My mother’s name is Kumari Perera. She’s 37-years-old. She’s tall and fair and very beautiful.My mother is a very good cook. She can make lovely puddings too. She loves to read books. Sometimes she reads beautiful stories to me. My mother helps me with my home work.She looks after my brother and me very well. I think she’s the best mother in the world and I love her very much.

Malsha Perera, Grade 2A,Louvre Intl. School,Pannipitiya.