Winner

The person I admire

There are numerous people we come across throughout our life. But there are only a few whom we really like.

There is a particular person I admire most. She is small in size, but for me, she is a tower of strength.

She is the central figure in the family. She is the person who looks into everything in the family. We are all dependent on her physically and emotionally. I need her company on every occasion.

Her breath is warm and cosy. Whatever the problems we come across she is the fi rst person to confide in.

It is amazing that she does not ask for anything in return. She just wants us to be respected by society and recognised by the world.

She works like a machine all day and is available whenever we need her services.I am so proud to have such an interesting friend and a companion in my life. Once in a way when we go out together, she never turns a deaf ear to my grievances. She comforts me in my moments of sadness. I am fortunate to have a nice mother like her. She is my best friend. Mothers are precious to all children. My mother is someone special because she is so simple and innocent.

Basma Imran, Grade 10G, Mukkaramah International School, Negombo.

 

Winner

Mother Teresa

Mother Teresa was born on August 26, 1910 in Yugoslavia. Her real name is Anges Bojaxhiu.

She became a nun at the age of 18. She came to India to teach in convent schools.Later, she decided to serve the poor, needy, dying and the helpless people.

She became an Indian citizen in 1948. In 1950, she established the Missionaries of Charity. Many homes, schools, hospitals for the poor and homeless were opened in India and in foreign countries.

These missionaries of charity have 160 centres in India. There are branches in 105 countries. She received many awards, prizes and titles for her honoured services, dedication and love for the mankind.

She also believed in Buddhism as well. Mother Teresa is remembered today for her services to humanity.

Vishaka Gangoda, Grade 8A, Udadumbara Secondary School.

 

Winner

Myself

My name is Vihagi. I live in Ragama. I am 11 years old. My father’s name is Krishan and my mother’s name is Chamila.

My favourite pet is a dog and its name is Timmy. I have one brother and his name is Dihala.I like to eat ice-cream and drink soft drinks.My hobbies are reading books, collecting stamps and riding my bicycle.I attend St. Lawrence’s Convent, Colombo 6. My ambition is to be a doctor some day.

Vihagi, Grade 6A, English Literary Association, St. Lawrence’s Convent, Colombo 6.














 

Winner

Valaichenai Paper Mills

The Valaichenai Paper Mills comes under the Ministry of State Resource and Enterprises Development.

It is the only Government owned factory functioning in Sri Lanka. It is located in the picturesque Valaichenai close to the Oddamavadi bridge, a landmark in the Eastern province.The production of the factory depends totally on waste paper.

After three decades, the factory is being refurbished to increase the production up to 2,000 metric tons per month.The factory has produced quality paper during the past 50 years.

The factory’s new look appeals not only to tourists but also to students.The factory now employs about 200 permanent employees directly and another 200 indirectly.

There is no doubt that the nation stands to benefit by the mission and vision of the company.

Namashivayam Geethanjan, Grade 10, Bt/Valaichchenai Hindu College.

 

Winner:

The importance of learning English

It is well-known that English is an international language spoken all over the world. Teachers must encourage students to pay more attention to this link language.There are various ways that help students to improve and gain knowledge in this sphere.

One important method to improve your knowledge in English is to read as many books as possible. We can get books from public libraries or from school libraries. The saying, “Reading maketh a full man” shows that students can gain knowledge by reading books written on various subjects.

Job seekers should pay more attention to this international language, as they have to face interviews in English.

Those who are interested in white-collar jobs also should be fluent in English.

When you have to do higher studies such as medicine, engineering, law and journalism a knowledge of English is essential.

Therefore, every English teacher as well as all students in every school, with the help of the Education Department must give this international language its due place.

Nethmi Tharushika Perera Wickramarathna, Grade 8, G/Dharmasoka College, Ambalangoda.

 

Why I like Jewel in the Palace

The teledrama we received from Korea is “Sujatha Diyani”. It is also known as “Jewel in the Palace” in Korea. It is based on a true story and is very popular in Sri Lanka as well as in Korea. It was published in Korea in March 2003 by Kim Yeong in Korea.

They presented this teledrama to Sri Lanka in October 2012. There are about 1,000 actors taking part in the teledrama. ‘Sujatha Diyani’ is dubbed in Sinhala.

My favourite character is Changumi. She is a child who does not have parents. Her parents had been killed by their enemies. Her father was a military officer and her mother was a housewife. They worked together in the same palace. They had lots of enemies in the palace because they worked hard and honestly.

Changumi's mother told her to try and work in the kitchen in the palace.

Her mother died when she was a small girl. She faced many problems but faced all the problems and gave convincing replies to the other women in the kitchen who were against her.

Her teacher was Lady Han. One day the palace officers told Changumi and Lady Han to go to Jeju Island.

The other woman Choi told the officers that lady Han and Changumi have put some poison to the ducks soup to kill the King. But they never put poison. Because of this statement the other officers insisted that Changumi and lady Han must go to the Jeju Island.

They gave several lashes to Lady Han and Changumi. Lady Han got very high fever and her health began to deteriorate. Lady Han died on Changumi's shoulders. Changumi was very sad but she could not do anything.

Changumi found a friend in Jeju Island. She was Jang Deok the famous medical officer who had been working there. Changumi learnt medicine from Jang Deok. She learnt medicine very well and went to the palace as a lady physician.

The King's health was deteriorating with every passing day. Thereafter, the King died. Before his death Changumi had gone away and married Min Jung Ho who worked as a palace officer. The queen had told them to come back to the palace and that was their fourth entry to the palace.

Changumi worked in the palace but Min Jung Ho did not like it. Till the end they worked together and honestly. The did their duty very well and lived happily thereafter.

The story ends with Changumi being recognised as the best and most intelligent woman at the palace.

That is why they named the teledrama as “Jewel in the Palace.” I like the teledrama very much.

I have never seen a teledrama as beautiful as “Jewel in the Palace,” or “Sujatha Diyani.”

Supuni Weerasuriya, Grade 8A, Royal Institute, Nugegoda.