Winner:

Save the ozone layer

The ozone layer is a part of the stratosphere. It contains a gas called ozone. The ozone layer blocks the harmful rays of the sun reaching the earth. Ultraviolet rays can cause skin cancer. Aerosol sprays and other gasses given out from refrigerators cause great harm to the ozone layer.

Sometimes factories release chemical compounds to the atmosphere. Burning polythene bags cause great harm to the ozone layer. We should stop burning them.

We should not destroy the ozone layer at any cost.

Amaanath Mumtaz,
Grade 5A,
Sailan International School,
Seeduwa.

Winner:

How good manners help

As students we must learn good manners. We must always practise good habits because they are very essential to live in society.

We should not disturb others. We must always try to do our work without harming others. As small children, we should always obey our elders and also respect them.

We must not tease or laugh at others, especially when they do something foolish or embarrassing.

No one would like a child who will harm another person.

When we behave well, we can win the hearts of everyone. We should be kind to each other and speak politely. Well-mannered people can become good citizens.

Shirleen Dhanushka,
Grade 8C,
St. Anne’s Balika Maha Vidyalaya,
Wattala.

The coconut tree

The coconut tree is very useful. We make different types of products using many parts of the coconut tree.

It has a long life. It grows well in coastal areas.

Maneesha Yashasvi Herath,
Grade 4D,
A/St. Joseph’s College,
Anuradhapura.

A silent play

Sniffles and smiles have all gone in this silent play.
Nobody to be a great sailor that sea will never flow with so much ease.
Where can I find a blue whale to raise up and see the “Blazing Sunset.”

P.G. Theshani Nuradha,
Grade 13,
Sujatha Vidyalaya.

A new day...

Fresh cool breeze,
Birds chirping,
Morning sunlight,
Shining dew drops,
Calm and quiet,
Trees in bloom,
Swaying branches,
Rustling of leaves,
Whispering to the wind,
Fresh minds,
New feelings,
Pleasant memories,
Gathering around,
Dawn of another day
A new day...

A.H.M. Shashikala Wijesinghe,
Holy Family Convent,
Kurunegala.

Winner:

The Commonwealth of Nations

The Commonwealth of Nations is one of the major voluntary associations in the world. It has many countries as its members. There are 54 independent nations. It is considered the third largest as well as the world’s oldest international organisation. The population of the member countries comprises 30 percent of the world population.

The history of the Commonwealth dates back to 1870. Earlier it was known as the British Commonwealth although today it is simply known as the Commonwealth of Nations. The head of the Commonwealth is Queen Elizabeth II.Every two years the Commonwealth leaders meet. Sri Lanka hosted the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) this year. It was presided over by President Mahinda Rajapaksa. Last time it was presided over by the Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard.

The CHOGM logo symbolises the national flower of Sri Lanka. The multi-coloured petals of the blue water lily symbolise diversity, liveliness, integrity and freedom of Sri Lankans.

CHOGM helps to eliminate inequalities and improve development and social equity. It is a unique organisation.

P. Desini Rasadari Jayatunge,
Grade 8,
Kottawa Dharmapala Maha Vidyalaya,
Kottawa.

Winner:

My country

My country is Sri Lanka. It is in the Indian ocean. It is a small and beautiful country.

There are many waterfalls, mountains, rivers and botanical gardens in my country. The highest mountain is Piduruthalagala and the longest river is the Mahaweli.

The President of my country is Mahinda Rajapaksa. We have different communities such as Sinhalese, Tamils, Muslims and Burghers living in Sri Lanka. The major religions are Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam and Christianity.

I love my country and I am proud to be a Sri Lankan.

Chathunka Harshana,
Grade 4A,
NCEF Buddhist College,
Mulleriyawa New Town.

Winner:

My grandfather

My grandfather is Clarence Merl Dharmakeerthi. His wife is Chandrani Korea. My grandfather had four daughters. His third daughter is my mother. My grandfather was very fair and handsome.

He loved my mother more than the others. He knew accounting very well. He loved English and enjoyed speaking in English to everybody.

I do not know about my grandfather very well because when I was born he had passed away. I know all what my mother says about him.

Michelle Sarah Gunaratne,
Grade 6A,
Jennings International College,
Nainamadama.

Mobile phones

Technology is the study and knowledge of the practical use of scientific discoveries.

The Europeans originated the modern technological revolution. Until then people all over the world had been using very simple tools inherited from their ancestors.

But today, there are many technological means to get our work done with less time and accuracy.

The mobile phone is such a modern equipment. It is known as a cellular phone, cell phone or a hand phone.

The purpose of using a mobile phone is to contact someone in an emergency. However, today we use it to chat, buy new items and listen to music.

Now we cannot live without mobile phones. Children also use them.

We are a nation madly in love with mobile phones.

So, we hear mobile phones ringing in offices, buses, trains and even in toilets. Some notice boards in tuition classes say, 'No food, no drinks, no mobile phones'.

In an indirect way they ask students not to bring their mobile phones to the class.

However, they do not realise that mobile phones disturb their educational activities.

Mobile phones were introduced to Sri Lanka in the 1980s. Today, they come with WAP, digital organisers and MP3 players. Young mobile phone users go for bright colours, ringing tones and chat functions.

However, in developed countries, the mobile phone is used sparingly. They do not talk for hours as we do.

Thiliai Liyanage,
Grade 10B,
St. Lawrence's Convent,
Wellawatte.

An unforgettable trip

During our August vacation we went to Chilaw by van. My family and our relatives joined the trip. We packed our bags and took our breakfast and lunch. Then we went to the Munneswaram Kovil and had our breakfast in the van.

We went to see a church and then to the beach adjoining it. We saw a lot of salamanders on the beach. After playing on the beach, we had lunch. Thereafter we played cricket.

We returned home in the evening.

R. Fleming Bernard,
Grade 6,
Gethesmane International College,
Wattala.