Golden paddy plants

While walking along a narrow footpath,
I chanced to see,
A vast stretch of paddy plants,
Where dew drops had fallen around the field,
And golden leaves danced in the breeze.
As birds circled to get at the grain,
The sound of swirling plants filled my heart,
I stood in awe,
Couldn't take my eyes away,
And so I sang this beautiful pslam,
As I walked along the path,
But, oh! so suddenly, my joy was lost
Because I was now standing among
A host of men with sickles in their hands
Ready to harvest the ripened golden plants.

V. Thuvaraka, Grade 10C, Sri Shanmuga Hindu Ladies' College, Trincomalee.
 

Baker's Falls

Baker's Falls is one of the most eye-catching places to see by those who visit Horton Plains. It is situated about three kilometres away from the Information Centre which is at the entrance to the National Park.

The footpath to the Baker's Falls lies through the misty, cold, and grassy plains across the narrow brooks. Walking barefeet along this path is a real delight, when the feet touch the moist grass and cool water.

The 20 metre wide waterfall plunges over a wide rock into a gorge covered with beautiful wild flowers. It's so spectacular that you don't feel like leaving it. Many say that by sitting on a rock with your feet in the icy cold water, you can wash away your weariness.

The breathtaking beauty of the scenic view combined with the soothing sound of the waterfall, refreshes the mind. It is something that will remain in your memory, forever. It was Sir Samuel Baker who first discovered this waterfall.

He was a hunter and an adventurous farmer who resided in the island from 1847 to 1855. He had come across the falls while exploring the hunting grounds. It has been named after him.

P.D.M. Chathurika Lakmini Kumari Nadungamuwa, Grade 8-B, St. Agnes' BMV, Balangoda.

Mobile phones are useful

Mobile phones are easy to carry and can be used anywhere. They can be used in most parts of the island, and most people have one.

Almost all the usage data can be recorded in these phones which also have facilities such as a calculator, and alarm clock. International times, exchange rates and many valuable information are also displayed in mobile phones.

Short message or an SMS can be sent to anyone, anywhere in the world at a very low cost. These days most people can afford to have a mobile phone.

In fact it has become not just a fashion but a necessity to posses a hand phone or a mobile phone for many.

There are various ringing tones to select from. Everyone is alerted by these tones. When not in use you can switch it off, keep it on (silent mode) to alert when there are incoming calls. You can buy phone cards or re-loads according to your budget.

Many people spend lots of money to buy the latest models of mobile phones. It is a useful invention, but we should not misuse this mini-invention that is becoming popular, very fast.

A.M. Oshini Mandulika Werarathna, Grade 8A, K/Algama MM.

Read, during leisure

We as students must read as many books as we could to improve our knowledge. If we read books we can not only develop our knowledge of various things, but also improve our speaking and writing skills.

There are plenty of reading material such as newspapers, story books, novels and magazines. By reading them we can develop our knowledge of different cultures, traditions people and many interesting things including history, geography and science.

By reading newspapers we can know about the day-to-day happenings in the country and also in the world.

By reading English books we can learn grammar and improve our English. If we read lots of books in English, it would be very easy for us to write essays, poems, and even short stories or articles to the newspapers, because books help improve our writing skills.

When we have leisure time, we should read books without wasting that time. We can read story books to relax and entertain ourselves or read books that would enhance our knowledge. But, we must select books that are most suitable for us.

There are various books. Educational books we read would assist us in facing examinations, confidently.

If we go to a library we can select the books that we need. So, we must read more and more books to learn well. "Reading maketh a full man" is indeed a great saying, we should all remember.

R.A. Dilsha Nishadini, Grade 10,R/Rathnaloka Maha Vidyalaya,Rakwana.

Let's not disturb the eco balance

When we talk about the living creatures of this world we have to talk not only about human beings. To be born as a human being is a rare opportunity and a great merit because only humans can think and have ideas. But, all the other animals are living beings whose contribution means a great deal to the existence of this Planet Earth. Every living being has the right to life.

No one can destroy its life by force. If some one does, it will be murder and a great sin. The flora, fauna and humans contribute their services equally to keep the ecological balance for the sustainable development of the environment and continuity of the life cycle.

For example, without microbes and earthworms, the grass, herbal plants, vegetables, fruits, flowers, cereals and bee honey will not exit on Earth.

The food chain starts with grass with the help of microbes and earthworms.

The grass, will be eaten by herbivorou animals. The herbivores will in turn be eaten by carnivores and omnivores. But if people kill, destroy or massacre these creatures, it will be a threat to the sustainable development of our environment and life cycle.

Then we end up with disasters like the tsunami, floods, volcanoes, earthquakes and so on because, the ecological balance has been disturbed. So, let's protect our environment and ecological balance.

Gayanthika Samarawijaya, Grade 11, Hillwood College, Kandy.