Winner:

Dunhinda Falls originating from the Badulu Oya stands at 63 metres in height, enchanting the beauty of the Badulla area.

A unique creation of nature, Dunhinda Falls and its surroundings have been used by ancient kings and chieftains as a hideout to strengthen their defences during times of war. According to legend, in the rock pool at the bottom of the falls, there lives a fish that wears a gold earring.

Because of the force with which water cascades, this waterfall cloaks its surroundings in dun, which means thick mist. It is from this that it derives its name and has become famous locally and abroad.

With the misty spray and various bird calls from its environs the sight of Dunhinda Falls, when viewed from its lookout point is breathtaking. It is one of the many beautiful waterfalls in our Motherland.

Mohammed Nazeer Fathima Sumiya,

Grade 7D (English Medium), STR/Muslim Madhya Maha Vidyalaya, (National School) Sammanthurai.

Victory day-an important event in our country

Winner:

There was thirty years of war in Sri Lanka against the terrorists. This war ended on May 18, 2009 defeating the LTTE and bringing victory to our Motherland. It was the happiest day for all Sri Lankans. It is the most memorable day in my life and most other Sri Lankans.

A national flag was hoisted in every house, and the people were very happy. There was merry-making everywhere. Thousands of crackers were lit. We played raban, sang songs and danced on the streets to our heart's content. Milkrice, and oil cake dansalas were held everywhere. Today we are a happy and free independent nation. Tourists can visit Sri Lanka without any fear of bomb explosions or terrorists attacks.

We are indebted to President Mahinda Rajapaksa and all our war heroes who helped to end this war. It was celebrated honouring the President and all Armed forces personnel and Police this year, on a grand scale at Galle Face Green on June 18.

R.M. Pabodhi Tharushika Rathnayaka,

Grade 10B, Mahasen National School, Nikaweratiya.

My country is the best in the world

Winner:

My country Sri Lanka is the best in the world. It is the Pearl of the Indian Ocean. The central hills add beauty to my country. Mother Nature has gifted us with many fresh, cool milky waterfalls. The cool mist sailing from mountain tops to the valleys and slopes of green tea estates is heavenly. The highest city in the mountain range is called Nuwara Eliya. It is known as the 'Little England of Sri Lanka.'

When you visit the North Central part of Sri Lanka you will realise that it is completely different to the central hills. The climate is hot and the land is covered with paddy fields. It's called 'The cultural Triangle of Sri Lanka'. There are ancient cities which are 2,500 years old and many dagobas. There are man-made tanks like seas. You can see ruins in Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Sigiriya. There are natural parks such as Yala, Udawalawa, Willpatthu, Wasgamuwa, Kumana, Habarana and Madura Oya.

When you visit the coastal area, you can enjoy swimming, water skiing, diving and sun bathing, in the clean, fresh blue water lined with golden sandy beaches. No deserts, no snow, no icy mountains, no earthquakes, no volcanoes, no more terrorist wars in my country. I love my country very much.

D.K. Dayangi Chalnika,

Grade 7,

Dudley Senanayake MV,

Colombo 5.

Healthy food for a healthy life

Winner:

"If we eat healthy food, we can lead a healthy life". This is a golden statement made by our ancestors as well as present day people. This statement tells us the importance of eating nutritious food for our daily meals, to live a healthy life.

In ancient times our forefathers ate plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits for their daily meals. Because of this they had less diseases and led successful and happy lives.

Today many schoolchildren and youth suffer from diseases like obesity. In foreign countries obesity is high among children since they eat lots of fatty foods and hardly exercise. Not only in foreign countries, but also many Sri Lankans suffer from obesity due to the hectic lifestyles they live. Since they are very busy, many people, even children in our country eat lots of fast food and hardly do any exercises or sports. We need to eat nutritious food as much as possible. There are some types of nutrients which should be included in a healthy diet. They are proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, fats and oils. Fish, meat, milk, eggs and milk products, such as yoghurt, cheese and butter contain protein.

Proteins help in the growth of the body and are especially very important for adolescents. Carbohydrates are found in flour based products like bread, buns etc. and also in lentils, yams, rice and bananas. If we eat too much of carbohydrates it may cause many health problems. Diabetes and cholesterol are two diseases which are related to excess intake of sugar and oils or fat. To overcome those diseases we must eat a balanced diet and do plenty of exercises. To prepare a healthy diet we should follow the food pyramid. It helps us to prepare a balanced diet with all the five main nutrients in it. We must also eat lots of fresh vegetables and fruits to lead a happy and a healthy life.

S.N.B.M. Hiruni Amosha Wijesooriya,

Grade 8P (English Medium),

Tholangamuwa Central College.

My birthday present

Winner:

On my tenth birthday, I got an unusual birthday present. It was a toy farmyard from my dad. Thee were cows, sheep, pigs, hens, chicks, ducks and ducklings.

My friends and I play with it. In the evenings I set out the cows the sheep and the pigs. Then I put the hens and chicks in a hen-pen and the ducks and ducklings in a pond. My friends and I are very happy in the evenings when we play with my toy farmyard.

Umal Isila Pushpakumara,

Grade 6A, K/Maliyadeva Model MV, Kurunegala.