Looking back at the tsunami

There are various types of natural disasters that take place in the world. Some of them are earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides, tornadoes, sandstorms, floods, hurricanes and tsunamis. Among these natural disasters, the tsunami was the most dangerous and powerful disaster that happened in 2004 affecting many countries in the Indian Ocean region.

The tsunami wave destroyed many places including our country and killed millions of people all over the Asian region, with Indonesia the worst affected.A tsunami can happen at anytime, anywhere and in any region when earthquakes, especially at sea, occurs. It can change the lives of many people with the wave of destruction it brings.

Modern Science and technology must try to prevent such disasters from happening as they destroy millions of lives, buildings and infrastructure.

When the 2004 tsunami hit our country many foreign nations gave aid. Giving aid is the most important task at such a time. Many countries gave financial and food aid to our country, but the aid was not properly distributed.

Many tsunami victims became homeless people and even ended up as beggars.Every disaster brings destruction and grief. Natural disasters are different from all the other disasters because, they occur due to sudden changes of nature.

Today people in Haiti are struggling due to a massive earthquake that destroyed their country before this happened.

Therefore, we must be watchful about those disasters and be prepared to act quickly to save many lives as possible during such disasters.

Sachini Muthukumarana Dickwella, St. Thomas’ Girls’ High School, Matara.

Caring for elders

Elders are people who are older than us in age and experience. It’s really awful to see elders being neglected by their own children.

When they were young, their muscles were strong and they could do any heavy work effortlessly, but now that they are old, they dare not even move. They are so feeble that they could fall and injure themselves. Even if they want to work, time has grabbed away the opportunity for them to do so.Elders become desperate and helpless with age. It’s a time when they seek the support of their children and family members. If we do not help and provide what is essential for them, they will suffer.

Why not take good care of your parents who have brought you up with so much trouble when they are old and feeble? Why is it that some think that taking care of parents is a problem? Don’t they deserve respect, love and care for all they have done for their children? Let’s think about it.If your parents did not neglect you why do you neglect them? Your parents may be in need of a helping hand if they are very old. Give them your love and affection.Pay tribute to elders and appreciate what they have done for you, all your life. Elders are to be treasured not just pushed aside by family and society.

Kothalawalage Dona Devmini , T. Perera, Gateway College,Kandy.

A trip by train

My father organised a trip to Nuwara Eliya during our December school vacation. We went to the Fort Railway Station early morning. My father’s friend, Uncle Sunil and his family also joined us. At 8.25 a.m. the train from Colombo to Nanu Oya reached the station and all of us got into the Observation Saloon. Sharp at 8.35 a.m. the train left for Nanu Oya.

While we were travelling we saw beautiful sceneries, waterfalls, tea estates and tea pluckers.

The tea estates which were in the hillsides looked like a velvet carpet. The mountains were covered with mist under the gleaming sunlight.

We passed many tunnels which were very long. The passengers enjoyed a lot by hooting while passing the tunnels. We were extremely happy since this was our first journey by train.

When we reached the Nanu Oya station, it was about 2.15 p.m. Thereafter we went to the circuit bungalow at Nuwara Eliya by vehicle. After having lunch we relaxed a while chatting and cracking jokes with each other.

The next day we visited World’s End. Passing the picturesque green areas, we arrived at Horton Plains at about 10.00 a.m. Parking our vehicle there, we started to walk along a narrow gravel road. The walking distance was about four km to World’s End.

The surrounding area was very calm and quiet and misty with the chirping of crickets every where. Unfortunately, we got caught to a heavy shower while we were walking. Therefore, we decided to return. On our way back to the circuit bungalow we visited the Highland Milk Factory and the Ambewella Cattle farm as well. Those places were also very interesting and enhanced our knowledge.

The following morning we went to see the Haggala Botanical Gardens. We enjoyed seeing different varieties of beautiful species of flora. Around 9.30 a.m. we left Haggala Gardens.

While returning home through hilly areas, we saw vegetable beds like staircases and also the beautiful waterfalls called St. Clare’s and Devon at Thalawakale. Both waterfalls were like mountains of cotton wool. Then we went to see the India Kotmale hydro power project which is still under construction.

After having a bath at Kithulgala, we had lunch. By about 3.40 p.m. we were safely back in our sweet home. I never had such an experience like this travelling by train and getting wet with icy water at World’s End. It was really an unforgettable experience in my life.

Chathura Samaraweera, Grade 8F, Lyceum International School,Nugegoda.

The world of plants

Plants are a wonderful gift given to us by Mother Nature. We cannot asses the value of these plants.

There are various types of plants which produce flowers and fruits or foliage. Roses, shoeflowers and sunflowers are flowering shrubs. Mint is a herb while gotukola and clover are creepers that run over the ground. Passion fruit and beans are known as climbers. They need a support to grow and climb up. There are aquatic plants which grow in water. Loranthus and Cuscuta are called parasites. They absorb nutrients from the host plant. The Pitcher plant, Sundew and Venus fly catcher are autotrophic plants. They catch insects to gain extra nutrients.

There are at least 250,000 flowering plants. All plants fulfil our various needs. They provide us with food, medicine, shade, shelter and also wood. They also enhance the beauty of nature. Plants produce their own food. They release oxygen while producing their food and consume carbondioxide.

Without plants and trees we cannot live in this world. But most humans do not take good care of these plants. They cut down trees and destroy the jungles. If we protect plants and trees we can protect our survival too.

Thyaga Weraniyagoda, Form II, Leeds International School, Galle.

Sri Lanka’s precious stones

Sri Lanka has been famous for gemstones from ancient times. It is an important export trade today bringing in valuable foreign exchange. Many areas in the Sabaragamuwa province are well known for gems. Ratnapura is the most important region for gems. Ratnapura means the ‘City of Gems.’ It has a gem museum displaying the wide range of gems available in the country. Many local and foreign tourists visit this popular gem museum.

The blue sapphire is the Queen of Sri Lankan gems. The 400 carat blue sapphire called the “Blue Bell” which adorns the British crown is said to be from Sri Lanka. Rubies, cat’s eyes, alexandrites, aquamarines, tourmalines, spinals, topazes, garnets and amethysts are some of the precious stones found in Sri Lanka.

M. M. Shahnaz Banv, Grade 7, Muslim Madya Maha Vidyalaya, Sammanthurai.