Winner:

Reading maketh a full man!

It was Francis Bacon who said, “Reading maketh a full man.”When we read, we can improve our reading skills and spelling. We can also increase our vocabulary tremendously.

When we read we come across new words. We should learn them.Reading also helps us to learn about countries, their people, culture and inventions.The more we read the more we become knowledgeable. We can improve our mind in a creative manner.

Reading is a good way to relax your mind. It reduces the stress of living in a competitive world.You can use any kind of reading material such as books, newspapers and magazines. Out of them, newspapers are the easiest to read.There are many types of books such as biographies, folk tales and adventure stories.You must select books carefully. Reading will give you a wealth of knowledge. It is definitely more profitable than watching television.

O.B.H.M. Olugala, Sivali Central College, Ratnapura.

Winner:

Water

Water is a treasure. No living being can live without water. We get water from so many places. There is plenty of water in the sea and rivers. But we cannot use it. We have to purify the water for drinking.Water is used in many ways. We drink water and use it for washing, bathing and cultivating.

We make hydroelectricity from water. But some people do not know how to protect water. Water gets polluted in so many ways. We must do our best to prevent the pollution of water.

A.H.H. Shimra, Grade 5B, Thihariya Islamic International School.

Winner:

A day’s journey

After my examinations were over my family planned to go somewhere for a day. My sister wanted to visit the planetarium, museum and many other places. But I said that since examinations were over it was time to enjoy and have fun. Finally we decided to go to the Leisure World in Avissawella.

On April 10, 2010 we got up at 4.30 a.m. and had a cup of hot tea and got into our van and headed towards our destination chatting and playing games.When we reached the Leisure World, we were excited that we ran in even before my father could buy the tickets.

But the security guard did not let us in till we bought the tickets.There were too main areas. One was the dry area and the other was the wet area. In the dry area there were merry-go-rounds, train rides and many games to play.In the wet area there were separate swimming pools for adults and children.Our first choice was the merry-go-round. After that we had lunch and went to the video section to play games.

Next we went to the swimming pool. We met some of our friends there. It was fun to splash water on our friends. My father and uncle said they wanted to go on the tower which made people go upside down. When they had finished, they came back with a severe headache.Next we went on the water slider. We screamed out loud while sliding. It was a thrilling experience.As it was getting dark we had to leave. But we did not want to do so because we were enjoying ourselves.

Finally, we left the Leisure World. It was the most unforgettable day in my life.

Ismail Hashim Rifhan, Grade 5, Hejaaz International School.

Winner:

My mother

My mother is very kind.
She teachs me and helps me in my school work.
She cooks meals for me.
She looks after me.
I love my mother.

Divyangi Sritharan, Grade 2A, St. Jude’s College, Negombo.

Winner:

My first day in school

Seven years ago, when I woke up in the morning, next to my window near the bush, birds were whistling rhythmically as they wished me “Good luck”.

My mother made milk rice and some sweetmeats and it was laid on the table.I was very happy to wear my new uniform.

My mother, father and I went to school. It was a tall building which was painted in blue. The children were walking in straight lines. The assembly had started and I was given a gift after I was taken to my class.My class teacher welcomed me warmly.I started my lessons and the school was an enjoyable place for me. Later my parents came to pick me.It was an unforgettable day in my life.

Nilsha Jayawardena, Grade 8, OKI International School, Wattala.

The earth and its environment

The earth is a unique planet in the universe. It is the only known planet to have life on it. Mother earth provides us with water, air and land. In other words, it provides the essentials for life, such as hydrophere lithosphere and atmosphere. The narrow zone where the three spheres coincide, is the only life sustaining part of the earth and known as universe. This is called the “biosphere”.

The earth and its environment give life in a variety of forms from the microscopic and simple bacteria to the blue whale and complex human beings.

The earth has a delicate ecosystem. Its environment is made up of both living beings and non-living entities. The non-living entities include land, air, water and the sun. The living components are the flora, funna and microorganisms.

Life depends on non-living parts of the earth. There is a sensitive balance between the living and non-living entities, plants and animals. This balance depends on an interlinked cycle of various activities. Thus disturbing any one disturbs the other also.

Pollution and physical components of nature will destroy life and the destruction of wildlife will ultimately destroy man. To regain the balance of the earth's ecosystem it is necessary to reorient the prevalent ways of living industry and transport.

It is essential that all care should be taken to maintain the earth and the environmental balance from pollution.

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

The Colombo National Museum

The National Museum of Colombo was founded on January 1, 1877.

The museum represents the timeless artefacts of Sri Lankan culture stretching from the pre-historic to the Kandy period.The museum has a large collection of arts and crafts, paintings, sculptures, textiles, ceramic ware, coins, currency and ornaments.It is a heritage to be protected for posterity.

Devmi Senatilleke, Grade 5A, Good Shepherd Convent, Kandy.

Natural beauty of Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a very beautiful country. It has many beautiful places. There are many places where we can see beautiful rivers, mountains and forests.

There are many rivers such as the Kelani Ganga, Kalu Ganga and Nilwala Ganga. Many rivers flow down from high mountains.

There are thick forests such as the Sinharaja. It has many rare animals and plants.The Sinharaja is home to many birds such as parrots, yellow birds and lady birds. We can see endemic birds too.Nuwara Eliya and Badulla are some of the cities with their own beauty.

Hikkaduwa is famous for its under water coral gardens. Horton Plains is another place where you find a variety of flowers.

Some people destroy the natural environment for various purposes. It is our duty to protect beautiful places in our country.

Udama Jayasuriya, Grade 5C, St. Lawrence's Convent, Colombo 6.

Myself

My name is Lisara Semindee. I am six years old. I go to Lyceum International School. I am in Grade 1.I like to eat rice and curry. I like to drink soft drinks.

I have a little brother. He is Yenul.I have lots of books. I like to read them.I live in Mahara. I like English very much.I want to be a doctor one day.

P.G. Lisara Semindee, Grade 1 I, Lyceum International School, Wattala.