Expressions

Winner: Weather

What is weather and why is it important? The condition in the atmosphere that prevails for a short period of time in a particular area is called weather. Temperature, rainfall, wind, and clouds are called weather elements. The Department of Meteorology prepares the weather report. They are collecting data daily about weather elements from different centres. There are meteorology departments in many areas and messages are sent to the main observatories at Bauddhaloka Mawatha.

Temperature is the main element among elements. It is measured in units of Celsius or Fahrenheit degrees. Rainfall is measured in millimetres. The speed of wind is measured by the anemometer and the direction of wind is measured by a wind direction indicator. The nature of clouds can be seen by observation. These weather elements are important to fishermen, farmers, Air Force and the Navy.

G.K. Srisaubhagya,
Willesden College,
Battaramulla.

Winner: Clean environment

The environment is being polluted in many ways and this has to be stopped. Factories cause environmental pollution by releasing toxic chemicals into rivers, streams and seas. People dispose of garbage on to the streets which also causes environmental pollution. Some animals can die because of environmental pollution. Environmental pollution is not good for the health and therefore we must keep our environment clean.

Minduli Lasandi,
Brilliant Stars International School,
Matara.

Winner: My hobby

I have many hobbies. But my favourite hobby is reading story books. My favourite writer is Janaki Sooriyarachchi. Her books are very interesting. I love to read them. I have a small library at home. My mother and father help me with my hobby.

Dinurangi Samarathunga,
Grade 4,
Yasodara Devi B.M.V.,
Gampaha.

Winner: Rain

Rain falls on the earth. It softens the soil and makes flowers grow. It brings relief to people after a warm weather. During the rainy season the sky is overcast. However, some people do not like the rain. The rain can also cause landslides and floods and many people have lost their loved ones and houses. Rain is good but excessive rain can disturb people’s lives.

Methul Laksara,
Grade 5,
Royal Institute,
Gampaha.

Winner: My hobby

My hobby is gardening. It is a very useful hobby. My garden is very beautiful. But it is not very big. I have planted a variety of plants. I have planted many flowers such as anthuriums, orchids and roses. There are also vegetables like brinjals, pumpkins, snake gourd and lady’s fingers. There are fruits such as oranges, bananas, pineapples and mangoes.

Every morning I go to my garden and spend an hour with my plants. I water them twice a day. I also put manure regularly. I use Carbonic manure only. Therefore, we can eat fresh vegetables and fruit which are not poisonous.

I have a lot of food because of my hobby. I share the vegetables and fruits with my neighbours. My hobby gives me much pleasure. I like gardening very much.

Imesha Damayanthi,
Grade 8,
President’s College,
Veyangoda.

Anagarika Dharmapala

Anagarika Dharmapala was born on 17th September 1864 in Matara. His father was Don Carolis Hewavitharana and his mother was Mallika Dharmagunawardhana. His other name was David Hewavitharane. He changed his name to Dharmapala during the time of the Buddhist revival. He also became a member of the Parama Vignartha Society in Colombo. Anagarika Dharmapala visited Buddha Gaya in 1884. He was the manager of Sarasavi Sandarasa newspaper. He also went to Japan with General Olcott on a Buddhist mission. His battle cry was “Oh Sinhalese wake up”. Saving Buddha Gaya was one of his victories. I wish that he is born in Sri Lanka again to save our country.

K.A. Sujaya Sandes Kuruppu,
Grade 7,
Royal College, Colombo 7.

Vesak festival

Vesak festival is a Buddhist festival. It is celebrated in the month of May. In Sinhala it is called the Vesak month. Vesak is celebrated to mark the birth of Prince Siddhartha, the attaining of enlightenment by Siddhartha and the passing away of the Buddha.

During the Vesak season, houses are decorated with Vesak lanterns and other decorations. They are illuminated with coloured bulbs. Children are very busy during Vesak making lanterns of different shapes. Dansals are organised by the youth who provide the tired devotees with refreshments. The devotees offer flowers and worship the Buddha.

They also burn joss sticks and light oil lamps. Their minds are filled with pure thoughts. Herds of cattle that are taken to slaughter houses are freed by Buddhist organisations.

Newspapers have special supplements including articles on the importance of Vesak. May the people of different races and religions forget their differences and live happily in peace and harmony on this thrice blessed Vesak day.

L.P. Shashika Aroshana,
Grade 9,
President’s College,
Veyangoda.

Mihintale

Mihintale is a mountain peak near Anuradhapura. It is a sacred place of worship for Buddhists in Sri Lanka, because it is the place where Arahat Mahinda met King Devanampiyatissa.

The pilgrims go to worship Mihintale on Poson Full Moon Poya Day in the month of June. Many shrines and ruins can be seen in Mihintale, such as Ambasthala Stupa, Kantaka Stupa, Naga Pokuna (Snake Pond) and the Mihindu cave are some of them.

D. Yasoj Shri,
Grade 7A,
Digana International School,
Kandy.

Significance of Poson Poya Day

Poson Poya Day is very important to Buddhists. Arahat Mihindu Thera came to Sri Lanka to introduce Buddhism on this day. Poson Poya is in the month of June. Many people organise ‘dansals'. Both young and old observer sil. There are sil programs in schools for schoolchildren. People make colourful Poson lanterns and pandals. There are Poson peraheras too. I like Poson Poya Day because I can be a good girl by engaging in religious activities.

S.A.M. Himaya Dewmini,
Grade 7,
Central College,
Bandarawela.

Poson Poya Day

Poson Poya Day is in the month of June. It is celebrated by Buddhists. We go to the temple and offer flowers. People observe sil on that day and there are dansals. I like to go to Mihintale on Poson Poya Day.

Wajira Jayanath,
Grade 7,B/Dharmasoka MMV,
Bandarawela.