Importance of Dhamma school education: Winner

There are two ways of providing Dhamma education in our country. One is by teaching it in schools and the other through Sunday schools. Students learn many subjects in schools, but good customs and values are learnt mainly through Sunday school.

A Dhamma school education lays the foundation to build a good society.

Udama Tharumuthu Jayasuriya, Grade 8C, St. Lawrence’s Convent, Colombo 6.

The phoenix: winner

The phoenix is a lonely bird and lives for over 500 years. It builds a nest made of sweet spices and rests on it before it dies.

The sun sets the nest on fire, burning the phoenix but, a new phoenix springs up from the ashes.

The Roc is a bird that lives in Persia, near Arabia. It looks like an eagle. But it is much bigger than the phoenix.

Its eggs are like great domes. It is the most magical bird in the world.

S. Habinashini, Grade 4, Atamie International School, Wattala.

Good health: Winner

One has to be free of any illness of body, mind and spirit to be healthy. A healthy person can lead a happy life. On the other hand, those who are not healthy struggle to live. Besides, it is hard to be happy when one is not in good health.

It is important not to abuse our bodies. The first rule of good health is to eat and go to bed on time. One must not overeat or eat unhealthy food. Oily, rich and sweet food must be avoided.

One must eat a balanced diet, which should include vitamins, proteins, carbohydrates and minerals. Along with it, one must eat fruits. It is important to do exercises and keep fit. Walking, cycling, swimming and jogging are good for the health. Yoga is another good way to ensure that one stays healthy.

Good health is like the morning sun, mellow and pleasing. It is only when we are healthy that we are able to concentrate on other important things in life. Good health is the foundation of a happy life.

Faslul Haq Faqeeh, Grade 8, Wisdom College, Negombo.

My Self: winner

My name is Shehan. I am eight-years-old. I like to eat apples.

I have two brothers and live in Kurunegala. I am studying in Grade 2 at the Royal International School.

My favourite colour is red. I hope to be a scientist some day.

Shehan Peiris, Grade 2A, Royal International School, Kurunegala.

My class teacher: winner

My class teacher is medium built and fair in complexion. She is pretty and kind. She is a trained teacher. She teaches us English language.

She loses her temper and is always cheerful. There are some boys and girls in my class who are weak in their studies, but she never punishes them. She explains the lessons to them in a simple manner.

My teacher wants her students to be neat and tidy and well disciplined. She is an expert in teaching. Sometimes, she explains the lessons with the help of charts and maps.

I am very proud of my teacher.

Halpe Gamage Tharushi Kavya, Grade 7, G/Hiyare MV, Galle.

Gardening

Gardening is a very interesting hobby. Many people like to have plants around them because it adds beauty to their surroundings. Plants and trees attract birds and bees.

Gardening is a form of meditation. I firmly believe that gardening keeps us healthy, both physically and mentally.

Thilini Dulshani, Grade 11, Sri Gnanodaya Central College, Divulapitiya.

The fair

There is a fair every Sunday in our area. There are many buyers and sellers. Pots, plastic items, toys, fruits, vegetables and ice cream are sold. I like to go to the fair with my father to eat ice cream. I enjoy visiting the fair.

Nadun Kavishka, B/Dharmasoka Maha Vidyalaya.

Niall Horan

Niall Horan is the best singer in the ‘One Direction’ band. His favourite colour is blue. His favourite food is pizza. He likes to drink apple juice. His favourite film is ‘The war of the beast.’ His favourite songs are ‘Thriller’ and ‘Man in the Mirror’ by Michael Jackson. His best friend is Harry.

Rashmi Fernando, Grade 3D, LDF Academy, Colombo.

Dunhida Waterfall

There are many picturesque waterfalls of various shapes and heights in Sri Lanka. Only a few can be viewed with ease. There are more than a hundred and many of them are in the forest and virtually unknown.

To see the breathtaking beauty of Dunhida falls, one has to travel about five kilometres from Badulla along the Mahiyangana road and walk another two kilometres interior. The waterfall is about 210 feet high.

The Kuda Dunhida can be seen on the way.

'Kuda’ means small in Sinhala.

In the native tongue 'Dun' means mist or vapour which is an ideal name for a waterfall creating heavy mist.

Farook Fathima Rushda, Grade 8B, Al Manar National School, Handessa, Kandy.

Sigiriya

My favourite place is Sigiriya. It is a rock fortress. It was built by King Kashyapa. It is an exceptional creation and shows the great wisdom and skills of our ancestors. We can see sculptures, world famous frescoes and poems in the ruins of the palace. It is a beautiful place and many locals and tourists visit it. We should protect this world heritage site. I love Sigiriya very much.

Nadeesha Fernando, Grade 10B, St. Mary’s College, Pitipana.