[Winner]

Birds

There are many birds in the world such as parrots, eagles, hawks and crows. Every country has their endemic birds. Swallows and Indian Pittas are some migrant birds.

Birds have distinctive feathers, beaks and body shapes. Eagles have a sharp beak and eyes. The kingfisher has a long beak. Some birds are carnivorous and others are herbivorous.

The humming bird is a herbivore. Birds such as eagles, hawks and parrots are carnivorous. They have inter-relationships based on protection and food.

Birds have their own special abilities such as the ostrich which can run fast but it cannot fly and the Kiwi also cannot fly. The birds do not drink mother’s milk and grow but they lay eggs. Bat is the only feathered bird who drinks mother’s milk.

Birds’ habitats are the nests or holes on trees. The Wadukurulla has a special ability to make its nest. Some live on water or on land.

The ostrich is the largest bird in the world. We find birds’ kingdoms everywhere. Let us protect the birds.

S.M. Sasmitha Thathsarani,
Grade 7C,
MR/Narandeniya National School.

[Winner]

A wonderful meeting

Last Friday while we were sleeping we heard a big noise near the front door. My father, mother and I went to see what it was. It was a marvelous flying saucer.

It was made up of awful colours and looked rather eerie. I thought that they were aliens. They could speak English. My father spoke to them. They had come to Earth from Pluto to watch the beauty of nature on Earth.

They had blue bodies, big three heads and six small eyes. We gave them tea and cakes. We went with them and saw many places in Sri Lanka, in their flying saucer.

I was afraid but it was an enjoyable journey. They were kind and nice to us. The cloud that set on the day of departure was soon lifted with the thoughts of the next meeting and we said ‘Goodbye’ and departed.

R. Nethrani Dulmini Kumari Rajapaksha,
Grade 9E,
Nittambuwa Sanghabodhi Central College.

[Winner]

My ambition

My ambition is to be a doctor. It is not an easy task. I have to work hard and do my studies well. I must sit the Advanced Level examination in the science stream and get good results to enter the University.

A doctor’s job is a noble profession. It is respected by all and I can serve my country. I like this job because it would enable me to serve the people.

The doctor is an important person because he helps to save lives. It is a difficult profession. I love this job and respect it.

Induni Nayodhara Weerarathna,
Grade 9E,
St. Anthony’s Girls’ College.

[Winner]

Mahatma Gandhi – a great hero

Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was born on October 2, 1869 at Porbandar. The title ‘Mahatma’ was given to him by Rabindranath Tagore for his great and noble qualities.

He was one of the greatest men in history. Gandhi got married at the age of thirteen to Kasturba Gandhi. After his higher education in London, he returned to India in 1891 and went to South Africa in 1893 as a lawyer. He experimented on traits such as truth, non-violence, selfless service and satyagraha.

Later these developed into a vast movement and also helped India to win Independence under Mahatma Gandhi’s guidance and leadership. He always defended the weak, poor, the downtrodden and fought for them.

In 1930, he conducted the famous Dandy March against government monopoly. Finally, India was free on August 15, 1947. But the country was engulfed in terrible flames of communal violence which pained Gandhi. He tried his best to stop violence, carnage and bloodshed.

He passionately appealed to Hindus and Muslims to maintain peace and harmony and succeeded to some extent. Gandhi was shot dead by one of his followers.

We should practise the great qualities of Mahatma Gandhi and always believe in goals and achieve it.

Diyana Rasandi,
Grade 6,
Lyceum International School, Nugegoda.

[Winner]

Trees

Mother nature, has gifted trees to mankind. Trees are our best friends. Trees do us a great service. They give us food. Grains, vegetables and fruits are provided by trees. Even non-vegetarian food comes indirectly from trees because animals eat grass.

We must grow trees to keep the environment clean. They absorb harmful carbon dioxide from the air and fill the atmosphere with oxygen. This reduces air pollution.

Raw materials are provided by trees for our industries. The timber from trees is used to make furniture and build houses. The wood is also used for fuel. We sew clothes with cotton from trees. We also get honey and many valuable things for medicine from trees.

Soil erosion is prevented by trees. Trees prevent lightning and strong winds damaging the surroundings. Our basic necessities such as air, water, food and clothing and shelter come from trees. Hence, we owe our existence to trees and it is our duty to protect them.

Gayashani Kavindya Weerasekara,
Grade 9 C,
St. Anthony’s Girls’ College,Kandy.

Newspapers

Newspapers provide information on what is happening around the world. The word news is formed by the first letters of the directions. ‘N’ stands for North, ‘E’ for East, ‘W’ for West and ‘S’ for South.

A newspaper has many sections such as sports, local, international, politics and entertainment. Newspapers are not expensive so everyone can afford to buy them. We can improve our knowledge and language skills by reading newspapers.

There are Sinhala, Tamil and English newspapers. There are Children's Magazines as well. The newspaper is an important media. I love reading newspapers.

M.S.F. Shifka,
Grade 8 B,
Lexicon International School, Kurunegala.

My hobby

My hobby is reading story books. It is a very interesting hobby.

Reading helps me to improve my English knowledge. It is the best hobby in the world.

There is a famous adage which says that, “Reading maketh a full man.” My mother presented me a story book on my birthday last month. A story book is like a good friend. I love reading a lot.

P. Vashiraj,
Grade 4C,
Bambalapitiya Hindu College, Colombo.

My father

My father's name is D.G.G. Wimelesena. He is 51 years old. He is loving and faithful. His hobbies are reading newspapers and growing plants.

My father likes to eat aquatica and wild olive pickle. He observes Sil on Poya days. He is an exemplary man. He is a good orator too. He helps me in my homework.

My father likes to spend time with me. He never blames us and explains things in a kind manner. I am really proud of my father.

D.G.G. Imasha Sithmini,
Grade 6 F,
Mahamaya Girls’ College, Kandy.

Baker’s Falls

Baker’s Falls is one of the most eye-catching place at the Hortain Plains. It is situated three kilometres away from the entrance to the National Park. The footpath leading to Baker’s Falls goes through cold and misty plains across narrow brooks. The barefoot walk gives a real delight when the feet touches the cold grass.

The 20-metre wide waterfall plunges over a wide rock into a gorge of beautiful wild flowers. It is so spectacular that you do not feel like leaving the place. You can wash away your weariness by sitting on a rock with your feet in the icy cold water. The splendid scene combined with the sound of the waterfall refreshes you and will remain in your memory forever.

It was named after Sir Samuel Baker, an avid hunter and adventurous farmer who lived in the island from 1847 to 1855. He discovered the Falls while hunting.

G.H.V. Mayuri Lakshani,
Grade 8D,
G/Ihalagoda Sumahgala Model School.