It is because of them we play here. It is because of them we have fun here. In fact, it is because of them we enjoy our lives in total freedom here. They are none other than the soldiers who are fighting bravely to keep us safe. There is a terrible war being waged in the country presently. Even at this very minute, the war is grabbing the lives of many innocent people.

Although we say that we ourselves have become victims of the war (of course, we have), it is the soliders who have become the direct victims of this horrible war.

It is the soldiers who face the war and undergo great mental and physical sufferings due to the war.

Soldiers too have parents, brothers and sisters. Some of them are parents themselves. But yet they sacrifice their lives without even considering the loss to their own families, for their motherland.

Their main aim is to free our motherland from terrorism and bring peace to our country.

So they work hard to achieve it. We should therefore be prepared to always help them and honour them. Let’s wish them more and more strength and courage in their efforts to bring peace to Mother Lanka.

K. Prabodha Dilshani, Grade 9-A,Kuliyapitiya Central College.
 

Panadura is a well developed town with many schools, temples, kovils, churches, supermarkets and various government and private offices and public buildings.

There are two international schools. They are Leeds and Lyceum. There is a private school called St. John’s Girls’ School too. There are several banks; they are Sampath Bank, Seylan Bank, DFCC Bank, People’s Bank, Bank of Ceylon and NDB Bank.

It has two bus stands. One is for SLTB buses and the other is for private buses. The buses ply from Panadura to Kandy, Colombo, Nugegoda, Kalutara and many other places. The Post Office is a big building which is beautiful and very clean.

Panadura town has a Police Station with lots of policemen serving the people well.

There is a government hospital and many people go there to get medicines that are given free. It has an operating theatre too.

The Bolgoda River flows across Panadura. It is very beautiful.The supermarkets are very clean and sell a variety of items such as food, biscuits, fruits, vegetables, meat products, chocolates, rice and cordials and also other personal and household items.

There are, lots of other shops too selling clothes, fruits, vegetables, handbags, schoolbags, jewellery and many other items.

There are two cinema halls, a very big town hall where dramas, musical shows and school concerts are held, and a big clock tower.

The Panadura town has a railway station and many people travel to office by train. Children love to go by train.

W. Ganguli Mendis, Grade 7-A,St. Paul’s Girls School,Milagiriya.

 

My grandfather’s name is Henaka Ralalage Sirisena. He is sixty nine years old. He was born on February 10, 1939. He is not very tall, but he is well built. Usually he wears sarongs and shirts at home. But when he goes somewhere he wears trousers and shirts.

Every morning he goes to the town to bring the newspaper. He has an old motorbike and he likes to ride it.My grandfather has three sons. My father is his eldest son.My grandfather was a school principal. Now he is retired and leads a simple life.

Everyday he goes to the paddy field. He is a very popular astrologer and a herbalist in the area. So he is well respected by the people. On poya days he goes to the temple to observe Sil.

He is a very kind and generous person. When he is free, he relates stories and recites poems for us.Sometimes he makes wonderful toys for my brother and me. He brings us everything we need. He is like a god to my brother and me. I think we are very fortunate to have a grandpa like him. I wish him long life and good health.

Tharkana Vismika Indrahenaka, Grade 5-A,Kegalu Maha Vidyalaya, Kegalle.
 

Various environments such as land, aquatic areas, grasslands, coastal belt and mangroves form an eco-system comprising a variety of colourful animals and plants.

The plants, animals and micro-organisms living in an eco-system being different to one another in shape, colour and so on, can be known as biodiversity.

Biodiversity helps all living beings in many ways. For example, it helps protect them and also reduces competition among organisms for food, shelter and light. Biodiversity is essential for human existence as there are many advantages we obtain as a result of it.

Extinction of organisms, environmental pollution, deforestation and other short-sighted actions of human have posed a severe threat to biodiversity.

As schoolchildren, we can do many things to conserve biodiversity. Reducing the usage of polythene, growing plants that consume compost fertilizers and not polluting the environment are a few of the ways to do so.

So, let’s get together and work to conserve biodiversity, which not only helps protect our planet, but also adds to its beauty.

Gihani K. Hettiarachchi, Grade 9-G, Sujatha Vidyalaya, Matara.
 

My school is Lyceum International, situated in Nugegoda. It is the place I like most. It’s my second home. It has four branches and my school is the parent school. My school shines among other schools in Nugegoda. Our Principal is Ashoka Weerasinghe.

My school gives us what we need to become good citizens. I learn how to face defeat and victory through school games and other sports activities. This is the way my school gives me the foundation for my life.The teachers are very kind and we must admire their dedication and courage.

They work on time and actively, to enhance our skills. Although it is an international school, it never forgets to give pride of place to our religions and our culture. We grow up here as Sri Lankans.We always keep the school clean and tidy.

The environment of my school is very beautiful. I am very grateful to my school for all that she provides me to be educated and become a good citizen.

Disari Senara Dias, Grade 4C, Lyceum International School,Nugegoda.
 

My name is Hasintha. I am eleven years old. I live in Udugampola and study at Bandaranaike College, Gampaha in grade 6.My father’s name is Chaminda. He is a welder. My mother’s name is Chandani. She is a good housewife. I have no brothers or sisters. My favourite hobby is playing cricket, my favourite fruit is grapes and my favourite book is Belumakin giya gamanak.I spend my leisure time playing and reading books. I love my parents and teachers. I like to be a doctor when I grow up.

K. H. D. Fernando, Grade 6,Bandaranaike College,Gampaha.
 

My hobby is reading books. When I have free time I like to read books written by Enid Blyton, Martin Wickramasinhe and T. B. Illangaratne. I have read about 32 books at present. Some of the books I have read are Govwe Gedara Niwaduwa, Hari Apuru Iscole, Hari Apuru Sadaya, David Copperfield and Alice in Wonderland.

When I go on a trip or travel, I take some of my books with me to read. When I am at school I make good use of the library period to read books which can enhance my standard of knowledge.

My cousins and all my friends give me books to read. I read books whenever I have free time. Since my friends and cousins give me books I also give them some of the books to read. I spend my free time usefully to improve my knowledge.

M. Sanitha Dimithri Perera, Grade 5s 5,St. Bridget’s Convent,Colombo 7.
 

The fountain of milk is you
Mother God, you have love and affection
Your smiling face is a strength to me!
You’re my future saviour

You kept me on the lap
I felt the warmth of you
It left an impression in my heart
I will try to be a symbol of you
Your blessings are clear
I will fulfil your desires
To be a good daughter of the nation
May all your dreams come true!

Janinthi Imaya Munasinghe, Grade 5-C,Ashoka College,Horana.
 

You came from the deep dark sea
To take the lives of our precious ones
You were so cruel and rude
To take their property too
Please be kind and merciful
Though humans work and behave
As if they don’t have hearts
They are trying to be good and kind
So help them to live in harmony
Give them your blessings
Don’t harm them hereafter
I pray for your mercy.

M. N. Ahamad Shahab, Ku/Parakramabahu National School, Polgahawela.
 

Street children are everywhere
It’s a growing problem we’re fully aware
With lots of problems in their minds
Hanging around for attention on the streets
They are increasing in numbers day by day
Even they haven’t any joy to play
How can we help these unfortunate ones
Shall we look after them with care?
They also like to attend schools
Live normal, happy lives, like we do
Come let’s help them in whatever way
It’s the right time now
So open your eyes!

Ruwanthi Dinuka Jayasekara, Grade 9-B, Samudradevi Balika Vidyalaya, Nugegoda.