Benefits of tourism

Tourism has become one of the major industries of the world. Several countries such as Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand have introduced many programmes to promote tourism. They get a large amount of money as foreign exchange every year via tourism.

It is good to travel about because one gets benefits from such tours. They help widen one’s outlook and make one liberal-minded. Travelling also enables one to understand the customs and lifestyles of people living in other countries. It promotes the concept of world citizenship. Further, one gets the opportunity to see various places mentioned in history and geography books.

There are some basic requirements to promote tourism. First and foremost, there should be a peaceful atmosphere in the country. If there is militancy as well as unrest, no tourist would want to visit the country. Secondly, there should be good infrastructure and facilities to accommodate tourists. And of course there should be plenty of tourist attractions.

The advantages of tourism are varied. It generates a great deal of employment.

There are many tourist attractions in our country such as the ancient ruins. Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya and the golden beaches. There are also many wildlife sanctuaries.

Travelling from one country to another is one of the best means of education. According to Francis Bacon, travel for the younger generation is a part of education and fun, while for the elder, it is an a experience.

Sanduni Divyanjana Ranaweera, Grade 8E, Ave Maria Convent, Negombo.

The parrot is beautiful

The parrot is a beautiful bird which is generally green in colour. It has a curved red beak which seems to be very strong. There are various species which have feathers of different colours. In our country there are mostly green parrots.

Some parrots learn to imitate the noises and words they hear, and so they can speak a few words.

Some people keep parrots as pets not only in our country, but also in other countries. There are some people who allow them to live freely and others who keep them in cages. Keeping them in cages is not a good practice because if we forget to feed them they could die.

Anyway, we must not hinder the freedom of any type of bird or animal by caging them. As children, we must learn to let them live in their natural surroundings. I love all birds.

Thakshila Gimhani Perera, Grade 7, Holly Cross College,Gampaha.

The visible heaven

There is no other place as such
It is a heaven and I’m an angel
There are only five members in it
There aren’t stars around this heaven
Only pretty flowers and shady trees
It’s an ideal residence,
To heal one’s hurt heart
It always keeps me happy
All the members are in an excited mood
We love one another, in our tiny heaven
It makes me satisfied
Gives me love and affection
Dear people,
This is not anywhere unknown
It is my home!
The Visible Heaven

A.K. Sachinthanie Gunawardhane, Grade 10-C, Central College, Kuliyapitiya.

Greatest singer in the world

You are the king of Pop
You are the king of nature
You are the king of the world
You are the king of people
Greatest singer in the world
“Michael Jackson”...
I still remember you
on the stage, as a twinkling star
You taught us about nature
You taught us about the world
You taught us about the people
And how to respect them, equally
So at last........
You have gone to your next world
But............
every day,
every moment
You are in my heart.......

S. H. Theruwandi Gunawickrema, Grade 10-G, MR/Sujatha Vidyalaya, Matara.

My favourite park

The Viharamahadevi Park is my favourite park. The children’s park area has two sections. There is a nice playground in one section with swings, climbing bars and matslides. There is also a tall hut with many steps children love to climb. There are also horses in this playground and children can touch them because they are gentle. In the other section there are various joy rides and entertainment equipment.

If you visit the park, you should go on a ride in the toy jet plane. It’s exciting as the jet goes high up into the air. You need to buy tickets to go on this plane or on any other ride that is available. The merry-go-round and the cars which can be driven by you are high fun.

When I visited the park I went on a ride in the jet plane, merry-go-round and the cars. I enjoyed myself. I love the Viharamahadevi Park.

Nethmina Fernando, Grade 4 Lea, Alethea School, Dehiwala.

When I grow up

I often sit and day dream about all that I hope to do when I grow up. I also count my fingers until that time. Nothing important is ever done without proper planning.

In the first place when I grow up, I will read lots of books, magazines and newspapers to gain knowledge. I would also strive to have a fine collection of books. I shall never feel bored in the company of my books. Secondly, it is my ambition to travel and see the world. I want to see the ancient places and cities in Sri Lanka. I want to be a globe-trotter and increase my knowledge of geography and human nature.

Then I would like to have a few tried and trusted friends. I would take great care in selecting them. Only true friends would be chosen by me. They would share my joys and sorrows. I will in turn strive hard to be their best friend.

I shall definitely help my parents and let them enjoy a comfortable and peaceful life. I shall show them how thankful I am to them for all that they have done for me.

Last, but not least, I would like to serve my country. I shall try to be a good citizen, do social service and help the poor in any way I can. All these are what I wish to do when I grow up.

Praveenya de Silva, Grade 8, Good Shepherd Convent, Panadura.