Expressions

Importance of science and technology

Science and technology means the study of the whole Universe. It was the curiosity of the human mind which led to the birth of science and technology. Development of this field leads to an improvement of human life. Even animals benefit from it. However there are good and bad results.

Modern science and technology has reached an unbelievable stage these days. Scientists are always carrying out experiments and making new discoveries. In every country scientists discover and reveal the marvels of the world we live in, and the entire Universe.

Because of science and technology, the entire world has become a global village. There is huge competition among developed countries to find new things in the field of science and technology. Due to this, scientists, naturalists and researchers are exploring every nook and cranny of the world.

We know that science and technology can be used for the development of the world as well as its destruction.

However, it is good to hear that the discoveries made in this field are used for good deeds such as the health sector, astronomy and space exploration, satellites and communication and so on.

Discovering new concepts in science and technology is a big challenge that man has to face today, in order to improve the standards of living in the future.

B.W. Akila Maduranga, 9 F, Bandaranayake College, Gampaha.
 

Nature is more powerful

Man thinks that he is the most powerful creature in the Universe. But he is only a tiny speck in the face of a tsunami, lightning, earthslips, floods, cyclones and many other natural disasters. A tsunami is more powerful than even man-made bombs.

Can man stop a whirlwind? No. Nature can punish each and every man when it wants. Man has no power to do so even using his technical, mechanical or scientific knowledge. He cannot stop rain or start it when he needs it. Therefore, we must live according to the rules of nature and learn to respect nature. We cannot control nature, but nature can control us.

Tharuka Dilrangi, Grade-6, Holy Family B.M.V., Wennappuwa.
 

A visit to Dunhinda Falls

I like to explore Sri Lanka because there are many interesting places in my country such as historical sites, wildlife santuries and nature spots and waterfalls; these are such interesting natural wonders. I have seen many waterfalls. Out of them, Dunhinda is the most beautiful.

It is situated in Badulla. We had to walk 1 1/2 km to reach the falls. The pathway was a narrow, rocky, difficult and a tiresome one. On the way we had to cross a bridge which was held up with the aid of cables.

By the sides of the pathway there were many small shops which sold sweets, drinks, toys and souvenirs.

We bought potions of boiled manioc with lunu miris and orange juice made with local oranges. We enjoyed them very much.

There were monkeys, endemic birds and butterflies in the surrounding jungle. One of the monkeys grabbed some food from me.

As we approached the falls, we heard the gushing of the water from faraway. Finally we reached the magnificent Dunhida Falls.

We went as close as possible and got wet by the water vapour. We took photos of the beautiful falls. My country is a paradise with picturesque falls like this and I am proud of it.

Bhagya Pandithakoralege, Grade 5, St. Bridget’s Convent, Colombo 7.
 

A trip

Recently my cousins, my parents and I visited Bopath Ella. It’s in the Ratnapura district. We went by van. Bopath Ella is in the shape of a bo leaf. It’s very beautiful and graceful. Many foreigners and local visitors come here. It’s a valuable natural creation but people throw rubbish into it. They had polluted the surroundings. We had our lunch, visited the area around the ella and came home in the evening.

H.A. Hasindu Nuwan, Grade 6,H/Warapitiya Maha Vidyalaya, Warapitiya.
 

Uses of salt

Salt is a very useful and indeed a necessary substance. It is mostly used to flavour food. Salt is obtained from the sea. Salt contains iodine, water and other chemicles. Hambantota is famous for salterns.

Salt is obtained from the sea in this manner; the sea water is first directed into shallow pools or pits built on the shore. Then the sea water is left there until it’s all evaporated.

The salt which can be seen at the bottom is then gathered. Salt helps to prevent goitres. We can’t eat meat, vegetables and most kinds of food without salt. It would be tasteless. For meat-eaters salt is really necessary.

Salt has a wonderful power of keeping things from going bad. Fish or meat kept in salt will remain fresh for a long time. Salt is very useful to preserve food. I think salt plays an important role in our day to day life.

S.H.J. Thilanke, Grade 12, MR/Siddhartha Vidyalaya, Weligama.
 

A tribute to Mother Earth

Mother Earth, I salute thee,
For everything you have given me
From the highest of mountains to the sparkling dew
To the lush green trees and the oceans blue......

The fiery red sun and the purest of snow
The flowers in summer to the autumn glow.
But the cruel hands of man and his ways,
Will slowly take thy beauty away......

Mother Earth, I weep for thee
As your beauty suffers in our world today,
One day, as time will surely show
All that you gave us may fade away......

Gentle Mother, I bow down to thee
With a solemn promise I will care for thee.
Preserve and conserve the gifts of nature,
And protect you, Mother Earth for lives to nurture......

Ayodhya Bandara Perera, Grade 8 E, Bishop’s College, Colombo 3.
 

The Thrice Blessed Day

In the month of May,
When the flowers were smiling
From every tree,
While the full moon was shining
Down upon Earth,
The world was blessed
With a royal babe,
Destined to be the greatest of all.

In the month of May,
When the flowers were smiling
From every tree,
While the full moon was shining
Down upon Earth,
The Bodhisattva,
Dispelled all ignorance,
Paving the path of freedom
For all beings.

In the month of May,
When the flowers were smiling
From every tree,
While the full moon was shining
Down upon Earth,
The Buddha,
After forty years of unending service
Attained parinibbana,
The supreme bliss a being
Can ever achieve.

Nillasi Liyanage, Grade 9 D, Musaeus College, Colombo 7.
 

The wind...

I cannot see you
Which colour are you?
I think you have no colour and shape
In a vehicle we can feel the wind
And we can see the trees moving
Oh! wind, please blow slowly
Oh! wind give us air.
Sometimes you give us a hurricane
But most of the time you give fresh air
The kite will fly high in the wind
And the grasses will ‘swish’ about
Sometimes you can whistle
You also do many different things
You are like a strong man

Wimani Omendrika, Grade 6AB, Cambridge International School, Matale.
 

If I were a bird

If I were a bird,
I would fly in the sky.
And sit on the tree top,
Looking over the world.

If I were a bird,
I would fly to a tree.
And eat tasty fruits,
As much as I could

I would make a nest,
On the top of a tree.
No one can reach it,
No one can catch me.

D. K. Gavithri Dilesha Amarasinghe, Grade 6, Ke/Dudley Senanayake Central College.
 

Fun-filled days at Grade 6C

To remember the jolly times....
To think of the funny times....
How much we enjoyed together,
They’ll be sweet memories forever....
We were mischievous girls and boys,
How often we were punished
Can you remember?
We did everything together.
I’ll forget them never.
Even though we had to part,
You will always be in my heart!

W. M. Sanoja Weesinghe, Grade 7, Royal International School, Kurunegala.