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Sunday, 14 December 2014

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The value of a good character

Winner:

A man’s character is his moral condition and what he really is. To estimate the value of something we must compare it with other things. So, let us compare it with other valuable things a man may possess, such as health, wealth and happiness. Good health is a great blessing. But is it better to be a healthy villain or a sick saint?

Wealth is great, though a dangerous blessing. But is it better to be rich and mean, selfish and sensual, or poor and kind and pure? All desire happiness and it is in itself a glorious gift. Is it better to be happy and bad or good and unhappy?

In our hearts we know that though all possessions are of great value, a strong, upright character is worth more than everything. Health will fail, riches take wings and fly away, happiness is temporary, but character lasts even beyond the grave.

Only good character and conscientious people in a nation, keep it strong and preserve it from decay.

As one wise man said, “The best thing a man can do for his nation is to be a good man.”


Good morning!

Winner:

Morning is the time of wisdom. It is the start of a bright day. Nature’s only musicians birds announce the dawn of a fantastic day with their melodious songs.

The sun peeps into the world wishing all of us good morning! The dewdrops glitter in the sunshine. Bees murmur about this attractive start. The wind spreads the fragrance of flowers everywhere.

The clouds resemble cobweb lawns. Trees dance in the breeze as a result of having fresh leaves and fruits laden in them.

Butterflies suck mouthwatering honey to quench their thirst. The meadow is like a green carpet. The breeze makes the leaves kiss each other. The mist envelopes the mountains. Morning is the best time to start anew.


Chilaw, then and now

Winner:

Chilaw is a city with a long history. There are many legends told by our ancestors about how the name ‘Chilaw’ came about. One of them is when Kuweni was running across this city from Thambapanni, her cloth had fallen in this area. So, the first name had been Watha Sala’then Watha Hala and finally Halawatha the British called it ‘Chilaw’ while the Portuguese and Dutch called it ‘Chilao’ and ‘Chilauw’.

The main mode of living of the people in Chilaw is fishing. Chilaw is a fishing city. This city has a Roman Catholic Cathedral built 163 years ago and one of the three Hindu kovils in Sri Lanka, Munneswaram. St. Mary’s College, Carmel Balika Convent, Vijaya Maha Vidyalaya and Ananda College are the leading schools in the city.

The Chairman of the Chilaw Council is Hilary Prasanna. Finally, I invite all of you to visit Chilaw and experience its attractive surroundings.


Let’s safeguard public property

Winner:

Public property are things we use which belong to the state. Some public places are school temple, library, hospital, bus station, railway station and banks. The items we use in these places should be safeguarded.In the present society, some people don’t know how to use public property. They behave like stupid people and are selfish. They destroy public property. Some youngsters keep their legs on the walls of bus stations, while others put garbage everywhere disregarding public space and property.

The government spends for all these facilities. We don’t have to pay money for using public property. Some people protect them. They keep them neat and clean.

The government develops infrastructure facilities. We must use them carefully. It is our responsibility to safeguard public property. As school children we must protect public property for the future generation.


Let’s protect the environment

Winner:

The environment is the surroundings around us. Water, air, trees, land and beings are the parts of the environment.

Today environmental pollution has become a major problem. People pollute the water by mixing poisonous chemicals and waste matter.

The air is polluted by smoke and poisonous gases being mixed through the chimneys of large factories. Land is polluted with garbage strewn all over. People cut trees in a careless manner. They never think of the ill effects of cutting trees.

We get rain because of trees. Trees not only help man but also animals. Birds build their nests on trees. Trees prevent soil erosion too.

We should grow more trees. We should keep our gardens clean. Let’s protect our environment.


The Kataragama festival

The Kataragama festival is held in August. The statue of God Skanda is taken along the streets of the sacred city. Kataragama is a small city. Many people go to Kataragama during the season. Some worshipers dance in the procession with the Kawadi on their shoulders.

The dance is to show their devotion to God Skanda. A special kind of music is played for Kawadi dance. The devotees call out to the God as Haro hara.

The Madu festival is also held in August. The statue of Lady Madu is taken in procession along the streets. The devotees sing hymns. Women and girls cover their heads with white or black veils. It is a religious festival celebrated by the Christians.


A wonderful experience

We were at the Fort Railway station on time to catch the 7 a.m train. We bought our tickets and hurried towards platform number five. We found seats in a carriage of the waiting train. We put our luggage in and settled down for the journey.

The guard blew the whistle and waved the green flag. The engine slowly began to move and the train glided out of the station.

We were looking out of the carriage windows. We passed green fields, beautiful forests, hills, valleys,rivers, mountains, waterfalls and tea estates. “Oh! What a beautiful scenery!” Everything looked very bright and pleasant in the sunshine.

“FFF, sh sh sh, chof chof chof”rocking us rhythmically to and fro and from side to side, the train took us through tunnels and valleys. Finally we reached Badulla. It was one of the most noisiest stations.

The platform was crowded with people talking, laughing and shouting. It was a memorable experience.


Importance of learning English

English is a widely used language in the world. Nearly two third of the world population uses English language. In countries such as England, the USA, Canada, Australia and several parts of Africa, it is their mother tongue. In many countries it is a second language.

“English can be regarded as the window to the world.” This idea was expressed by the first Prime Minister of India, the late Jawaharlal Nehru.

Today the world is advanced in science and technology. Almost all the books, songs, stage dramas and films are in English. If we learn English we can understand all of them and can gain immense knowledge.

At present, the world has become a global village through modern methods of communication such as telex, fax, e-mail and internet. English is used in all the media.

As our economy is based mostly on the import and export trade, we have to deal constantly with other countries. English is essential for this purpose.

Therefore, without the knowledge of English it is difficult to specialise in any course of study. For those who seek foreign employment too, English is essential.


The national emblem

Sri Lanka’s national emblem can be seen on our coins, government books and documents. The emblem shows a lion carrying a sword in its right forepaws encircled with a palapethi open petal design.

The emblem also portrays the Punkalasa, Dhammachakka, sun, moon and two sheaves of paddy. All the elements in the emblem depict prosperity.


Weird conclusion

A man came to a conclusion,

To buy a medical lotion.

As he was mentally ill,

He drank the medical lotion.

He met a doctor who gave a suggestion,

About his digestion.

But the man had a lose motion,

Because he drank the lotion.

He went to the police to get his shoes polished.

Because he was foolish.

So he was put into the jail,

And was not allowed any mail.


The radio

The invention of the radio changed the world. Gugliemo Marconi invented the radio. He was an Italian.

He discovered how to send radio signals by using invisible electric waves. After seven years he sent radio signals around the world. The radio entertains people and gives news.


Our teacher's exciting stories

When our teacher calls us for a story, we are glad. We run like fast trains close to her to listen to her story. We wonder what story she has in store. She starts telling a story about ancient animals.

We listen to her very excitedly. When our teacher tells about ancient animals, we can imagine them all around us,Then we wonder what story would be next.

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