Causes of poverty

Winner:

It has been observed by some that Sri Lanka is a rich country inhabited by the poor. This statement underlines the fact that Sri Lanka is very rich, both in material and human resources which have not been properly used and exploited so far.

The majority of the population lives in rural areas. However, following the rapid growth in the number of large cities and towns, there has been migration from rural areas to these cities. This indicates that unless our efforts and planning are rural oriented, nothing much can be achieved.

Over 80 per cent of the rural poor spend their money on food. The expenditure on shelter is also very high. The urban poor also spend almost the same proportion of their income on these two basic needs. The remainder is insufficient to meet their other needs such as clothing, health, education and entertainment. This means they are unable to afford even the basic needs of life. The problem of economic inequality and improper distribution of national income is a chronic one. Consequently, the rich are becoming more rich and the poor, more poor.

The growth in the industrial and agricultural sectors in the past few years has further resulted in the concentration of wealth and resources in the hands of a few. What is needed are radical changes in the planning and implementation of schemes to remove all these inequalities and imbalances in the distribution of national income and resources.

Navodya Weerakoon,
Lyceum International School, Nugegoda.

Education, the best asset

Winner :

We have constantly heard our teachers and parents speak of the value of having a good education. We hear this throughout our childhood because it is the elders who actually know more than us about the value of education. Small children only know how to play and have fun. They focus their attention mostly on playful things and toys. However, even as children if we devote more time only for play activities we lose valuable time which can be devoted for studies.

Time is very important for everyone of us, especially for small children who are engaged in studies.

“Today’s child is tomorrow’s citizen,” is a popular saying. If the child gets a good education, he has a bright future. He will surely rise up to the highest position in society. If he is wise and educated, he can get a good job and a secure way of making his living.

Even if you have amassed a lot of wealth, it can be stolen or destroyed by fire or through some other mishap.

But education is different. Nobody can steal it or take it away from you,ever. This shows how important an education is. The person with a sound education is highly respected by society. He shines throughout his life.

Erandi Wanigasekera,
Grade 9,
Princess of Wales College, Moratuwa.

The Great Wall of China

Winner:

The Great Wall of China is believed to be the only man-made structure which is visible to the naked-eye in space. This is also known as the Dragon Wall, because this wall looks like a sleeping dragon. The Great Wall is situated in northern China. It is over5,000 km long, 7 metres high and has a roadway of 5.5m which runs along the top. As one of the seven wonders of the world, this has become the symbol of the Chinese nation and its culture.

When we talk about the Great Wall of China, we cannot avoid talking about Qin Shi Huang, the great emperor who built this wall. He became a pivotal figure in Chinese history, unifying China for the first time in 221BC. He ushered nearly two millennia of imperial rule. After unifying China he and his chief assistant, Li Si initiated a series of political reforms. Huang Ti undertook many great projects, including the first version of the Great Wall of China and the Mausoleum, guarded by a life-sized terracotta army.At that time there were no machines. So, all the work depended on man-power. They had to work facing many dangers. Millions of people worked in the mountains and steep cliffs. Most lost their lives. There are even myths about the dead, walking in this place!The labour force was made up of three groups; soldiers, common people and criminals. Soldiers took the main place.Apart from its great size, another special attraction of this wall is the Museum built in 1994 in the Bedalin pass. It is centered on the theme of the wall to tell its history and the current status.

Devni Wanigaarachchi,
Grade 8,
Musaeus College, Colombo 7.

I love you

I love you no matter what. When I look into your face, all I can see is love and sunshine. You always make sure I look fantastic. I love you a lot Amma and Thaththa.

Kiara Punchihewa,
Grade 2,
Overseas School of Colombo.

Freedom - the joy of life!

Winner:

If I ask you what the hidden meaning of life is what would you say? If you ask this particular question from elders, they may say that it is hard for you to understand the real meaning of life yet as you are still small children. However, I feel that life is like a ship without a rudder. But if we enhance our good qualities and illuminate our life through the many good deeds we do the ship will go correctly on its path.

One thing I believe in is that if we haven't the freedom to make our own choices and decisions in life, such a life is virtually useless. Today most parents think we, the children are incapable of doing many things. That influences our lives. I feel that elders are wrong .It seems as if they will never understand that the youth of today have many innovative ideas , are very creative and capable than they were in their youth.

Many who read my article may surely think that I am making wrong claims as a child, but what I say is the truth.

I feel it's my duty to persuade others to experience what freedom is and the joys of life by showing parents and elders what they are capable of. When they realise our talents and also ability to make responsible choices they will give us the freedom we need to do many things.

Chirathma Hirudini,
Grade 9F,
Sri Sumangala Girls’ School, Panadura.

Precious past

Winner:

When I sit alone by the side of my window pane, I recall my life at school. My first steps to school were taken when I was four years old. I remember my first day at school. I saw lots of new faces and it was an amazing experience.

My first step into school was the beginning of my parents dream to make me a well educated, disciplined and valuable person to the country.

School was a whole new world to me. I came across many challenges and gained a lot of experience and happiness and also achieved great victories. My alma mater, Gampola International School added a lot of colours to my life, giving me an aim to travel a long journey up to today.

Teachers and friends played a significant role in my memories. The days spend at the school are indeed unforgettable. Teachers are special in my life because it is they who enlightened me with a wide knowledge and paved the way for my victory.

I learned about life at school. Now, I have come a long, long way successfully, with all what I gained from my alma mater. There are no words to explain how much I want to thank my alma mater.

The thrilling part of school life is of course friends. Girls and boys from different areas, religions and races . Some were boring or funny, some good, but others real terrors. Some friends were bookworms, glued to their books, yet we enjoyed a lot. We were one family living together and loving each other.

The knowledge my friends and I gained at school, the exams we sat together, the school trips we went on and term holidays are also unforgettable. I miss my school days a lot. The verse below says it all...

Big gang of friends,
Colourful uniforms,
Silly fights,
Friendly teachers,
Group photos,
Combined studies,
Never ending PT periods,
Rocking annual days,
Group discussions on anything
and nothing,
So many hands in a single lunch box,
Remarkable marks,
Justified mistakes,
Lovable tours...
School life is just heaven.

Nizla Farvin Uwais,
Gampola International School,
Gampola.

[Your poems]

Starry skies

In the giant sky,
Some beads are glowing
They have beautiful lights
Showing us the way to heaven
The entire dark sky,
Is bright with these beads
That peep into our world,
And show us fantastic things...
When the moon comes,
Her disk of rays glitter
She laughs at the stars
With her kind round face
When the Sun comes into the world,
They must all go to their own world
But they're definite about one thing,
They have to come back again!

Hashini Anupama,
Grade 10,
Gm/Yasodara Devi B.M.V., Gampaha.

Australia

Kangaroos hopping in the north
To the sound of the Dijeridoo
Koala's climbing in the south
To the sway of the gum trees
Ostriches pecking in the zoo
To the rhythm of the steps
Devils screaming in Tasmania
To the sight of the beautiful trees
Victorians rushing around
To the sound of music
Me sleeping in my bed
To the sight of Australia, my home

Oshini Punchihewa,
Grade 6,
Overseas School of Colombo.