Sugar - a sweet substance

Sugar is a sweet and important substance. It is being used by man since he first discovered sugarcane. The sweet substance we all use today is obtained from sugarcane, which is a tropical plant that grows in countries towards the equator. Apart from sugarcane there is also another plant named beet, from which sugar is obtained.

Thousands of years ago, the Indians invented the method of producing something called ‘sharkara’, which literally means unrefined sugar. It was introduced to Persia and the Mediterranean countries.

In Persia (Iran) it was called Sakar. Thousands of years ago Indian ships carried sharkara to Greece. They were the first cargo ships which sailed in the Indian Oceans towards the Mediterranean Sea .

Some decades ago there was a huge sugar factory in Ganthalawa (Kantale). It produced very large quantities of sugar, lessening imports of sugar. Apart from sugar it also turned out byproducts. Today we import sugar as this factory is no longer in operation.

Thiloka Ihalagamage, Grade 7, Royal Institute International School, Colombo 5

Egypt, my favourite country

My favourite country is Egypt which is full of deserts. Its capital is Cairo. There is a long river named the Nile, running across the country. The Nile is the longest river in the world.

In ancient times tribal people searched for a suitable place to live permanently. Then they came across the Nile valley which was a very fertile land. They lived there, building an empire for many long years.

Pharaoh was the name by which an Egyptian king or queen was known. When they died their bodies were wrapped in linen clothes and buried in pyramids. They were called mummies. A mummy was buried with jewellery, gold, silver and various items which he/she may need to use in their afterlife.

The pharoah’s details too were sometimes inscribed on the walls. Wheat was the main food of the Egyptians. Ancient Egyptians believed in Rao the Sun God and Osirious the God of Death.

In the past there were many who robbed these pyramids of their wealth. But the tomb of one young pharoah, the boy King Tutenkhamen was saved.

Even though he reigned for a very short period, he is one of the most recognised and popular pharoahs of ancient Egypt. Another legendary, beautiful queen is Cleopatra who ruled Egypt and belonged to the same pharoah dynasty. Egypt is a country that is not only attractive, but is also of great historical value to all of us. Egypt introduced many things to the world.

Nilukshi Wickremasinghe, Mary Immaculate Convent, Tudella, Ja-Ela.

The day I was dreaming of

The day which I have been hoping for since 2005 arrived miraculously on December 23 last year. It was a Red Letter Day in my life, as I got the rare opportunity to visit Temple Trees and meet President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

I won first place in the Junior category of an English essay competition which was conducted by the Ministry of Justice and Law Reforms, in tsunami affected areas. Then the Ministry prepared a book titled ‘Tharuka Mal’ including all the winning essays.On December 23 we offered this book to the President at Temple Trees and that’s how I was able to meet him.

Way back in 2005 I wrote an article to the Junior Observer, after seeing the then Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa in Elpitiya at a function. I ended that essay saying “I wish I could see him again” and I was lucky enough to make my dream come true. On that day I offered my article to the President and he congratulated me and wished me success for my future. The Minister of Media, Lakshman Yapa Abeywardana was also present.

I wish to publish my maiden story book in the near future. I hope to offer my maiden story book too to the President very soon.

Gathmini Vihanga Vithanage, Grade 7, Ceylinco Sussex College, Galle.

My elder sister

My elder sister is Lakshitha Samaradivakara. She is 23-years-old. She is fair, slim and tall. She is very pleasant. She is a science graduate. She teaches me English, science and mathematics.

Her hobby is reading books. Sometimes we play together. I learn a lot of things from her.

She cares about me a lot. She is not only my sister, but also my very best friend. I love my elder sister very much.

S.R.M.A.Kanishka Madawa, Grade 7, Jayakody MV, Ganemulla.

A pup’s plea...

This is a very tough life
That I have to lead
No one really knows
What I lack most
Only my mum and I
Know of that, you see,
They love me, but
Not like my mum does
Though they don’t care much for her
I love my mum whatever they say
But, they do not
Allow me to go to her
They always try to
Chase her away
No matter what they give me
I need my mum’s love and affection
And her warmth the most
So I want to know,
What fault has my mother done
To chase her away?

Madusha Dilhani Abeysuriya, G/Ananda MMV, Elpitiya.