Deyata Kirula -a great exhibition

The exhibition was held at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH). It was ceremonially opened by President Mahinda Rajapaksa on February 4 this year and ended on February 9.

Educational, scientific, cultural, religious, military, agricultural, literary and environmental exhibits were major attractions. The BMICH was a sea of heads with many people flocking to this place amidst tight security. A floral tribute was paid to our brave war heroes by all who came for the exhibition.

The flowers bought at the entrance were put into a huge vase-like container.The crowds were greatly attracted by the environmental section and the media zone. The most significant section however was the military section with the Army, Navy and Air Force exhibits.

There were many sections of interest for schoolchildren. For example, they could gather a great deal of knowledge at the media unit. They could learn about the advances of communication and also the progress made in recording, programming and the use of electronic systems.

The environment section too was very important to schoolchildren and people from all walks of life. They could gather lots of information about the fauna and flora of the country. Another important section was the religious section where one could learn about the life of the Buddha and how Buddhism progressed in stages.

The cultural section where the aadivaasis displayed tools such as the bow and arrow, ancient ornaments such as necklaces made of elephant tusks and tiger’s teeth, and other items made of animal skins, was of great interest. We could see some of the aadivaasis at the stall.

Another section which was crowded was the stall where articles made by prisoners were on display. Various items made by the disabled were also on display. Many bought those items.

A special show by dogs trained by the police was also an attraction.

Finally there was a musical show dedicated to our beloved soldiers who are in the North and the East. Many songs which aroused our patriotic feelings were sung at the show.

Chathuri Upeksha Amarakoon,Musaeus College, Colombo 7.

Noble soldiers

Oh brave soldiers,

Today our hopes are high,

Tomorrow our victory may come.

That’s the faith we’ve kept,

In our noble soldiers deep down.

They fight on late into the night,

No matter how tired they are,

Then they plan for the next day,

No matter how weary they are.

They march forward, with courage high,

To give off their best, with all their might,

No rest, no sleep, the brave soldiers have,

But hardship and suffering, until they die.

Your lives are sacrificed on behalf of us,

Your blood is spilled because of us,

You’r a valuable gem for us,

You protect our country and all of us.

Oh, you brave soldiers,

Our motherland needs you,

We’re all indebted to you.

Today our hopes are high,

Because our victory is high!

The war will end,

We will live in peace,

The soldiers efforts;

Will never die in our mind.

Oh! you brave men,

May you be blessed with the triple gem.

Shehani Balasooriya,

Grade 11 `H’,Visakha Vidyalaya, Colombo 5.

School life of a child

The schooling period is the most important part of a human life because it is the time that a person learns about life and how to behave in society.

The school life of a child starts from the pre-school. After pre-school a child attends the Montessori and then enters into the main stream of education provided by the school.

In Sri Lanka there are many schools; Some are government schools, some are private and others are international schools. The schools are situated all over the country.

As academic education is the most important role played by the school, there are various subjects such as languages, science, aesthetics, religion, history and maths taught at schools. Both teachers and principals help to give this knowledge to the child.

In Sri Lanka there are examinations held at the end of the terms and at the end of the year. They help to check the knowledge of children; how well they have picked up the lessons and also how the teachers have taught them.

During school life, children not only improve good habits, but also get rid of their bad habits with the help of fellow students and teachers. Schoolgoing children must learn to obey the teachers and principals in the school.

They also must respect elders and the rules of the school. But unfortunately many poor children in the world do not attend schools. Many are engaged in agricultural work helping their fathers in the fields or, are working in houses as domestics. They do not go to school mostly because of poverty; they cannot afford to buy their school needs. Some have problems in their homes and are not sent to school.

Today some people have become famous as doctors, lawyers, accountants and so on as a result of the education received at school.School helps a child face the many challenges of life and society.

It enables a child to become a good citizen of the country and a respected person in society. It builds a good future for any child. Everything we learn during our school life helps to make us good and useful citizens in the future.

W. Tharaka Vidurangi, Grade 9A,St. Thomas’ Girls’ High School,Matara.

How to be a good friend

Friendship is one of the most valuable gifts of life. We all love to have friends.

Not only human beings, but also animal like to make friends with other animals or humans.

If one can find a genuine friend he/she is very fortunate.

So, first of all we must learn to be a good friend to others, in order to have good friends. To be a good friend one should be polite, humble, honest, true and understanding.

In order to lead a good and happy life, we need the help and encouragement of good friends. In many stages of our lives we want their strength and support, to make our lives a success.

To be a good friend, we must always be helpful to our friends. It is said that “A friend in need is a friend indeed.” So, it’s a great quality to have. We must also be loyal and honest to our friends. When they are in trouble we should support them to overcome then.

When they are going in the wrong path it’s our duty to show them the right way as good friends. If we can develop these qualities, we would surely be able to find good friends! Here’s a lovely verse about friends....

“A good friend, Sees the first tear,Catches the second,And stop the third.

”Poornima Dilini Weerasinghe,Girls’ High School,Mt. Lavinia.

A street child’s plea

Have clothes, but they are dirty with holes on them,
Eat food but, from dustbins of the rich,
My legs are very dirty with wounds all over.
I never see my, parents,
Have no friends or relatives,
I live alone without affection, no guidance or love,
Please...tell me,
In the future, will this misery end?

N. Hasini Nimesha Nagoda,Grade 10,St. Joseph’s Balika MV,Kegalle.