Cover: Smile awhile

Sanahas Mansara Padmakumara of Siduhath preschool of Napagoda , Nittambuwa is on our cover this week.

Back cover: Solitaire

One of the most commonly seen kingfishers in Sri Lanka is the WhiteBreasted or White Throated Kingfisher Halcyon smyrnensis. Less dependent on nearby water than most kingfishers, the White Breasted hunts from tree branches or wires, swooping down on small lizards,insects, frogs and sometimes fish. Its large (in this case red) bill is characteristic of kingfishers.

It has chocolate brown plumage on its head and chest, with a large white breast. Its back is a brilliant sky-blue. Like its large relative, the Kookaburra in Australia, it emits a laughter-like call. Our staff photographer, Susantha Wijegunasekara captured this pfotograph in the wilds of Wasgamuwa.