Protect our environment

Environment pollution is a problem in our country. The environment is naturally very beautiful, but many people do not like to maintain a clean environment in our country.

Our environment gets polluted by garbage and smoke.

There are many ways the environment gets polluted such as by throwing garbage into lakes and streams and by releasing chemicals from factories into the air and waterways.

As a result of waterways being polluted fish and many other animals die. By keeping the environment unclean we can contract various diseases. Dengue, filaria, malaria and respiratory problems are some of them. Because of these diseases some even die. But, if we can keep our environment clean, we can be healthy.

We must keep our homes, roads and waterways clean. I love to be clean and also keep my environment clean because I love my country.

ALLAN HIRAN NIMASH DE SILVA, Grade 8 F, St. Anthony’s College, Wattala.

Sri Lankan elephants

Sri Lankans have been associated with elephants for many centuries according to history. This largest living animal walking the Earth has been very important to our little island nation. During the reign of the ancient kings, over 2,000 years ago, elephants were caught, tamed and used in large numbers for construction work.

Sri Lankan elephants were also used by our ancient kings in the various wars they fought during that time. Large palaces, temples and vast reservoirs had been built with the aid of elephants. Originally elephants roamed the forests all over the country.

One of the significant facts about Sri Lankan or Asian elephants is that they are used for ‘ceremonial’ occasions in our country and are kept in temples too. Elephants are always seen at religious peraheras or processions islandwide.

The famous ‘Dalada Perahera’ and the ‘Maligawa Tusker’ closely associated with Sri Lanka for a very long time is a part of our rich heritage. It has become a tradition that our elephants bear the Dalada Karunduwa’ which enshrines the Sacred Tooth Relic. Raja who first carried it became a legend.

Yala sanctuary has a large number of elephants. At the ‘Pinnawela’ Elephant Orphanage too many of the orphaned and injured elephants are well looked after.

Elephants as the largest mammals that walk the earth need to be protected , but there are wild elephants who have become a threat to the lives of many innocent people living in remote areas of the country.

The electronic and print media often reports of situations where elephants have harmed people. Precautions have been taken by the authorities to overcome this elephant-man conflict, but they have not solved the problem.

Sri Lankan elephants are also gifted to other countries .

KATELEN FERNANDO, Grade 6D, English Medium, St. Lawrence’s School, Colombo 6.

The person whom I admire most

There are many admirable people in our country and in other countries as well. The one I admire most is none other than the best all-rounder in our national cricket team, Mahela Jayawardena. He bats well, bowls well, and also fields well.

He was the captain of our team sometime back.

He usually scores more than 50 runs in ODIs. He plays many boundaries. He gets many trophies. He is a talented person.

I admire him mostly because of his leadership qualities. He has a good relationship with his team players. He obeys the rules and regulations of the game. He is a kind person too. Because of his good qualities, he gets on well with colleagues as well as with other people in the world. I admire and love him for his talents and his achievements. I wish him well.

WISHMIN CHAMANGA, Grade 7, Sussex College, Kurunegala.

Nature reacts

While everyone grew hot and restless,
The days passed under the scorching sun,
There was a long spell of drought,
Without any happiness or fun.

As the sun grew brighter and the
climate grew warmer,
“This is the end of the world,”
Wailed all the people,
There was suffering everywhere,
As animals and plants grew feeble.

The glaciers are melting,
Acidic rains are pouring,
The sea levels are rising,
The lowlands are sinking.

“We are responsible for this havoc,” wailed the people who realised,
“And nature’s taking revenge,
By making everything feeble,”
As the Earth grew warmer and warmer,
Suffering and pain spread faster.

VINU WIJERATNE, Grade 9B, Girls’ High school, Kandy.

How strange it would be...

How will it be,
If schools are high above in the sky and
Students have to fly?

How strange if....
Cockerels start to bark,
and dogs quack,
While teachers joke and talk,
Without teaching,
Children could laugh and enjoy,
Without learning.

How strange if hens,
Lay elephants and buffaloes,
Instead of eggs and chicks,
Oh what a strange thing!

M.N.M. AFRATH, Grade 9, English Medium, Kg/Mw/Baduriya Central College, Mawanella.

A teacher and friend

She is very kind
And very nice
She is my teacher
And my mother
She is happy
And, I like her
She’s a good friend
And I love her
Her dream is me
I love her
I wish her all the best.

NIMESHA MADUMALI, Grade 9 B, St. Anthony’s Girls’ College, Kandy.

Friendship

Friendship is a bond,
Between two souls,
It’s a ship that will never sink,
Even in dreadful storms,
Sailing around the world,
It will hunt life’s treasures,
It will sail side by your side,
Through joy and sorrow.

A good friend is important,
A good friend is rare,
A sensible friend will help you,
And guide you in your career,
A loyal friend will stand up for you,
And always be by your side,
A genuine friend will enrich you,
With qualities so rare.

Keeping one thing in mind,
You sail around the world,
Always pick up, the pure shining diamond,
From the big multi-coloured gems,
Passing every difficulty of life,
You will soon be successful in your goal.

AISHATH ADHLY ADHIL, Grade 8B, Colombo South International College.

My school life

My father had carried me to school on the first day. I cannot remember this but my father says so. I was only five years old then. So, naturally my memory is bleak. I was in year one then, but year after year, I got promoted and at the age of sixteen I sat for my GCE (O/L) Examination.

At the Annual Prize Giving I won many prizes every year without a break. I was applauded for my achievements.

I had five friends whom I associated with very closely. They participated in athletics and sports. I concentrated on my studies. I passed the GCE (OL) with 9 As. My father made arrangements to admit me to Lyceum International School in Wattala in order to continue studies in the English medium. From here I wish to enter the University, where I may experience campus life.

The principal of my old school did not like me leaving school.

MARIO FERNANDO, Grade 11 Science (National), Lyceum International School.