Let’s protect the environment

Winner:

The Environment is a gift of nature. The surrounding area around us which includes the land, water, air, animals and trees make up the environment. It gives us everything we need to live on the Earth. However, some people don’t know the value of the environment. They pollute the water resources, the air and land in various ways.

The trees that help stop soil erosion are cut down by them in a careless manner. They do not plant another tree to replace the one they cut down.

As schoolchildren, we must learn to keep the environment clean and pleasant. We should not throw litter everywhere. Environmental pollution is one of the most serious problems that we face today.

People pollute the environment in various ways. They pollute the air by emitting gases and smoke from factories and vehicles. They poison the water by releasing chemicals and other substances into waterbodies. The soil is polluted with pesticides and chemical fertilizers used in agriculture.

Man has also encroached into the peaceful environment of the animal kingdom. Many animals are threatened with extinction due to deforestation and poaching.

However, I believe that a clean environment leads to development. So, protect the environment and save Mother Earth.

Shashik Oshan,
Grade 4A (Super Class),
Success English College,
Piliyandala.

Looking back...

Winner:

Almost eight years ago I stepped into the Republican International School but not with the confidence I now possess. Yet, in a short period, much sooner than I thought, my dear school, became so precious to me. You were my home away from home.

You have taught me the meaning of life; The need of having to live for what I am not, and for what I will be. Teaching me step by step that I am important in my own way, you have given me great confidence.

You were always there with me to lead me. I had no fear. But, when the time came to part - once again I forgot who I am. I seem to be lost in a maze. I could never be part of you again, the way I wish to be. However, I must admit with a simple sentence from the depths of my heart, that it is you who has given me the ‘confidence to reach the summit.’

I would just like to say, with heart felt warmth, three hearty cheers for my dear teachers and schoolmates without whom Republican International School will not be so wholesome.

Rishfa Banu Musthafa,
Grade 10,
Republican International School
Nuwara Eliya.

IPL games - a money spinner

Winner:

IPL stands for Indian Premier League. It was introduced by the Indian Cricket Council. It is a very fast game with only twenty overs. The IPL is a money spinning game. IPL games are being played for four years. The speciality of the game is that it is sponsored by popular actors, actresses, banks and even players.

IPL games this year started on April 11 and ended on May 27. There were nine teams that played . The matches were played in Chennai, Mumbai, Kolkata and Delhi.

The IPL matches observe the same rules like in the other form of cricket matches. Players from all over the world participate in the game. Some of our players like Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardana, Angelo Mathews, Lasith Malinga and many others are participated in this year's IPL. The four top teams that qualified for the playoffs were Delhi Daredevils, Rajasthan Royals, Kolkata Knight Riders and Pune Warriors India. My favourite team is Royal Challengers, Bangalore.

The captain of the team is Daniel Vettori. My favourite batsman is Chris Gayle. My favourite bowler is Zaheer Khan. The Indian Premier League matches are unique because many celebrities come to watch it. It is also a game that represents unity as players from many countries play together as one team. IPL has become a very popular. It is the hot talk among people of all ages.

Usoof Thassim,
Grade 8,
Hejaaz International School,
Mt. Lavinia.

Importance of the Five Precepts

Winner:

As a Buddhist, everybody should know the Five Precepts and their meaning. We, as Buddhists must observe the Five Precepts everyday. The stanzas should be recited out loud when observing.

The first precept shows that everyone has the right to live. Not only humans, but also animals. This means we do not have the right to harm or kill any living being. When we observe this precept, virtues such as love, pity and kindness grow in our hearts.

The second precept tells us to refrain from stealing. Nobody likes to lose their valuable belongings such as money, jewellery, clothes and so on. When we observe this precept properly, our hearts will be free from greed and desires.

Then our belongings, as well as others’ will be protected. The third precept urges us to refrain from bad behaviour. By observing the third precept, the family and children are protected.

The fourth precept tells us to refrain from telling lies or what is untrue.

When a person tells a lie, he or she is misleading another. Sometimes to hide the first lie, several other lies have to be told.

Then society will not respect such people. The Buddha preached that the truth is the sweetest thing in the world. When everybody speaks the truth, nobody has to be afraid of being misguided. Therefore happiness prevails.

The fifth precept urges us to refrain from using intoxicants. Use of alcohol and drugs have led to a lot of serious crimes.

We should avoid alcohol and drugs and try to prevent others from getting addicted to these bad habits.

The Buddha preached the Five Precepts to help us build a useful and fruitful society, without any suspicion or fear. Instead of keeping something to yourself, He asked us to share it with one another, especially among those who suffer from poverty. It is known as dana.

We can observe the Five Precepts as a family. If all families do so, a fruitful society will be built automatically as the precepts emphasise the importance of building up a virtuous and healthy society.

No crimes, murders or bad behaviour will prevail.

Then there will be no more wars in the world. We can build a peaceful society and live in peace. People will also learn to love the environment. There will be no more pollution or harm done to the world.

So, follow the Five Precepts! It will help to make our next births better.

J. Randhula Gajadheera,
Willesden College International,
Battaramulla.

My favourite series of books

My favourite series of books is Peter Pan written by J.M. Barrie. He is a world famous author.

Peter Pan is a wonderful story about a young boy. The main characters are Peter Pan and his friend Wendy.

The story is very interesting.

My favourite character is Peter Pan because he is a kind boy. Not only little children, but also adults can read the book as it is good for all ages.

J.M. Barrie was born in Kirriemuir, Angus in 1860. He is best remembered today as the creator of Peter Pan, or ‘The boy who wouldn't grow up'.

Some of his other books are: Peter Pan in Kensington Gardens, Peter and Wendy and A kiss for Cinderella. The story is of great value to our life. I like to read this series of books very much.

Yashinka Nirmani Manamperi
Grade 9-C,
St. Mary's Convent,
Matara.

[Your poems]

Save nature's ‘Green Umbrella’

Winner:

Trees give us food and medicines
Trees give us shade and timber
Trees protect the earth
So, it's our duty to protect trees.
Trees gives us oxygen
They protect the ozone layer
Trees protect us from harmful radiation
And also keep the water cycle going.
We'll protect you from your enemies
Otherwise they'll destroy you
Not a single person will live
No green, no life!
We must protect you
We must save you from being chopped
Your many uses are so valuable
You seem to be made up of gems.
There is a day especially for you
Known as the World Environmental Day
Yes, let's save the ‘Green Umbrella’
And make our lives green too.
Thank the Lord for giving trees
Otherwise survival on Earth will be hard
Every person must love the Green Umbrella
Protect and save it forever!

S. Hiranniya Herat
Royal International School,
Kurunegala.