Peace, a lighthouse to our lives

Winner:

'Peace hath her victories, not less renowned than war.' This is a famous wise saying by a learned philosopher. This reveals that peace wins always even if there are wars taking place everywhere. What does real peace mean? It doesn't mean only absence of war, but also the freedom from anxiety. All the human beings long for peace even if they can not live in peace. Peace leads to joy, long life and also development of standards of living.To live in peace all should be treated equally and their human rights should be protected by law.Has anyone of the religious leaders ever taught us to fight over race or religion? No, never. Instead everyone of them has asked us to live in peace and harmony, co-operating with others.They have specially asked us to forgive and forget the wrong things done to us by others.

The wars prevailing in our country and in the world, have led to the untimely death of youth in millions. Many people have been orphaned or handicapped as a result. Some soldiers are traumatised. Many people who were living in war zones are now living as refugees in camps. They have lost their beloved family members and hard-earned wealth. All live sorrowful lives without any peace.

When there is peace in the country, the government can utilise the money spent on war for the development of our country. There will be more employment opportunities and finally Sri Lanka will even be able to transform herself as a queen of the world, being a developed and top class country. Also many valuable lives of our youth, especially soldiers will be saved.May the light of peace shine upon us and guide us as a lighthouse which guides ships in darkness because 'United we stand, divided we fall.'

Then, all humans can live a life bound by peace, forever.

Deshanie W.D. Wanigaratne,

Lyceum International School.

Value of natural resources

Winner:

What are natural resources? They are what man obtains from his surrounding to fulfil his day-to-day needs. Natural resources consist of air, water, land, sunlight, minerals, vegetation and other living beings.

These natural resources can be divided into mainly three parts; renewable resources, non-renewable resources and resources which can be re-used.

Natural resources have direct influence on the life of man as well as all animals. Human beings obtain natural resources to fulfil their needs like food, water, air and habitat. So, think for a moment.

Can we continue our lives without natural resources? Your answer will be 'no'. We cannot live without natural resources. Therefore, it is our duty and responsibility to protect natural resources.But, at present most people try to turn away from this huge responsibility. Sometimes natural resources may be destroyed due to development, especially of modern technology. But do not forget that natural resources are the basic of all our needs and need to be conserved despite development.

Let us strive to protect our natural resources for future generations too, without destroying them.

Lakshika Ayeshmanthi Rajapakse,

Mo/Royal College, Moneragala.

Don't give up letter writing

Winner:

The postman is a welcome sight everywhere, to everyone. Even though the news he may bring is bad, he is still welcome. In recent times however, sending letters as we knew in the past, has lost its significance with the development of technology. The introduction of the telephone, especially mobile, the telex, the fax, have taken over the work of 'letters'.

But still, letters are essential for certain purposes. Invitation by letter is a must for all occasions still. Letters also have the personal touch which can never be given by any other method. For example, think of the great joy you can give your old parents who are no longer living with you by writing a letter. Perhaps they are short of hearing to really appreciate.

Your phone and what you may say might not register with them, since they are old, but a letter from you will be a delight.

They could always read and re-read a letter. Letters become mementos too. Invitations to functions, national and greetings and international celebrations, important personal events in the family all belong to this category. The written word is always more powerful than the spoken word.

When you write a letter you communicate a part of yourself. You are there in what you write so it becomes very personal. Do not give up the art of letter writing even though modern technology has made communication much easier.

Mohammed Sitheek Fathima Aksha,

KM/Mahmud Ladies College,

Kalmunai.

The many uses of flowers

Winner:

'Flowers' are reproductive organs of plants. Basic parts of flowers of any kind are the same. The petals and sepals of plants usually come in beautiful colours.

Flowers have been admired and used by people all over the world, from ancient times. In the modern world too flowers are used for many purposes. It has become very dear to humans. It is a token of happiness, goodwill and pleasure.

When people are happy they always like to have flowers around. At a wedding or at any other special function, flowers are used to express happiness and to beautify the place. Also flowers are grown in houses to beautify the surrounding. When we visit a patient in hospital we sometimes take flowers to cheer that person and to express our goodwill.

There are many public places that have been demarcated as flower gardens. These are there for our pleasure. People visit them to spend their time among the flowers and relax.

Most devotees offer flowers whenever they go to the temple to pray. The fragrance of flowers and their beauty helps to relax the mind. This habit is seen mostly among Buddhists and Hindus. Hindus put garlands round the statues in the Kovils.

Many women especially brides use flowers to beautify themselves by wearing floral headwear and carrying bouquets. Some people wear flowers pinned to their costumes. On sad occasions such as deaths floral wreaths and bouquets or posies are sent to the bereaved family members or placed on the grave.

On memorial occasions especially war memorials, wreaths are laid down as a mark of respect.

Flowers are special because they are used for various purposes.

Ishara Harshani Atapattu,

Mahamaya Girls' College,

Kandy.

Kings of our land

Winner:

There were many brave kings who ruled our country in the past. Some kings did not rule the entire country. They ruled only certain parts of the country because there were three parts, Ruhunu, Maya and Pihiti. Some kings were very popular and they did many things for the country.

King Dutugemunu was one of the most popular kings in our history. He united our country. King Parakramabahu built many tanks.King Vijaya was the first king of Sri Lanka. Sri Wickrama Rajasingha was the last king.

He ruled the hill country and Dhatusena, Dewanampiyatissa, Pandukabhaya are some of the most famous kings, among our ancient rulers. When Buddhism reached our Motherland, King Dewanampiyatissa was the ruler in the country.

G. Rakitha Poornima Ranathunga,

Grade 6A,

St. Joseph's Boys' College.