Value of sports

Winner:

Every child likes to play. Not only the able bodied, but also the differently abled enjoy sports. Sports play an important role in a child's life. For example, a person who does no sports may end up as a dull person who is not physically fit. A healthy body is a dwelling for a healthy mind and sports play a major role in ensuring a healthy mind and body.

There are various kinds of sports such as cricket, football, netball, rugger, hockey, elle, badminton, basketball, volleyball, swimming and tennis. Cricket is the most popular outdoor game today. There are many popular indoor games too such as table tennis, chess and squash.

In the past, sports was not given priority in the school curriculum but now it has becomea part of it. It is included in our timetable. Sports teaches us good qualities and right attitudes. They also teach us leadership qualities and the importance of teamwork.

Volleyball is our national sport, but it's not as popular as cricket. I believe that all children should take part in some sport, because it has many benefits.

Hashika Tharni Sivapalan,

Grade 6A,

Belvoir College International,

Colombo 4.

The person I like most

Winner:

My favourite person is Kumar Sangakkara. He is a key personality in the national cricket team as he is the Captain of the team. He is a great batsman, wicket-keeper and a fielder and is also ranked as one of the best players and wicket-keepers in the cricketing world.

He started playing for the national team in 2000. He displayed his excellent skills at the 2007 World Cup matches. We watched his wonderful performance on television. He is a left-handed batsman.Kumar Sangakkara is 31 years old and is an active and pleasant cricketer and personality. He is presently studying for his degree in law. He speaks fluent English. He is popular among cricketers as well as the general public because he is courteous and kind to other players.He is an experienced cricketer. I think he is one of the best all- rounders in the world of cricket. I wish him all success.

Mathindri Caldera,

Grade 4A,Dharmasena Attygalle BV, Kesbewa.

Moti, my pet dog

Winner:

A pet is a source of pleasure. But my pet dog Moti is also a source of security and protection. No other animal has been in the service of man since the dawn of civilisation, like the dog. Originally the dog was as wild as the wolf. And, how it came to be domesticated is a matter that needs to be researched.

My pet Moti is an Alsatian. This type of dogs is also called German Shepherds. For some people, a pet dog is a status symbol, but for me my Moti is a necessity. I cannot think of life without him. I got him three years ago as a puppy of four months.

A great canine lover lived in our neighbourhood. When he was transferred to Mumbai from here, he gave the puppy to me as a gift.

Moti is of medium height. It has a curved, bushy tail, sharp sparkling eyes, strong jaws and nimble feet. It has grown wonderfully strong and can easily be the envy of many dog lovers. I have taken great pains in training my dog. Its doggie manners are to be seen, not to be believed. It has good toilet habits. When it wants to go to the toilet it makes a peculiar cry, resembling a moan. My Moti can sit, stand, run and fetch things as commanded.

M. Sajeer Aliyar,

Grade 4, STR/Muslim Mahalir Vidyalaya, Samanthurai 17.

Myself

My name is Sasindu Lakshan. I am eight years old. I live in Peliyagoda.I study at St. Joseph's College, Colombo 14, in Grade Three. My hobby is reading books and my favourite food is rice.

My mother's name is Renuka. She is a housewife. My father's name is Sunil. He is a businessman. I have a brother. He is also a businessman.My best friend is Niranjan. I like to play cricket. My ambition is to be a cricketer.

Sasindu Lakshan,

St. Joseph's College, Colombo.

Focus on sustainable development

Winner:

The Earth exists because of the fauna, flora and humans. They contribute equally to serve each other. Out of these the humans are the most important segment. They are intelligent and knowledgeable so they should manage and maintain fauna and flora with great care. They should not harm or violate any part of them, especially the fauna. All living beings have the right to live till the end of their life-span and we humans cannot destroy them or their habitats for our needs and pleasure. But man's greed and thirst for power has no limit. Because of ignorance and greed to satisfy the senses he is destroying the whole Earth. Man doesn't know what contentment is. Therefore, Mother Earth is suffering; she is faced with a disastrous situation.

The modern man's materialistic, electronic world has destroyed the spiritual and cultural values of all civilisations in the world. They are exploiting each other for the enormous profits from the Earth. They are also producing more and more Carbondioxide which is very harmful to the Earth. The more Earth gets heated, the environment and ecological cycle is unbalanced. Terrible disasters such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, epidemic diseases, tsunamis, tornado, storms, hurricanes and famines caused by droughts are the results.

We must protect the environment and eco-cycle if we want sustainable development.

D.K. Nuwani Sandalanka,

Grade 12, Ananda Balika Vidyalaya, Colombo 10.

Honesty is the best policy

Winner:

'Honesty is the best policy' it is often said. When a person is truthful and sincere we say that he is honest. If a person is honest, then he will always keep promises, be forthright in all his dealings and not lie or pretend to be someone he's not. An honest person will always respect elders. He will also have a clear conscience.

An honest person may not be so rich, but he will win the respect of others. He owes no man anything.An honest person will always take firm and correct decisions. He will not be partial to anything or anyone

We may meet lots of people who lie whenever they speak. They may be able to deceive people for a while but once people realise the truth, they avoid them and do not respect them.

Honest people have outstanding characteristics. They never steal, cheat or hesitate to pay their debts.

. Ayisha Akram,

Grade 8, Cinnamon Garden Internat

ional School.