Winner:

Sri Lanka is a tropical country which depends on the rainfall from the North-east and South-west monsoons, mostly to carry out agricultural activities. These two monsoons which bring in a lot of water are like friends to human beings,especially the farmers. However, as some humans do not love nature or realise its value,they destroy the environment which in turn affects the monsoon cycles.

They cut down trees and clear forests to build houses and other buildings. As a result of this the water cycle is disturbed and the waterfalls,rivers,lakes and ponds in these areas start to dry up. When water resources are affected the land becomes parched. The heat too builds up in such areas and drought conditions prevail, making it difficult for animals in the forests to live. They roam about in search of food and water. Many animals die. Humans too suffer as a result of drought. Many farmers are unable to cultivate and they lose their income. The inability to cultivate leads to a decrease in agricultural produce. This leads to a shortage of food in the country.

In some parts of the world people die because of severe drought.

Farmers also face economic problems and hardship.During a drought even wells run dry in some parts of the country makng it difficult for people to obtain fresh water for drinking and other daily chores. Lack of water leads to diseases too.

So, it is evident that a drought has an adverse impact on both animal and human life. It is therefore important to educate the people of the need to protect the environment. The relevant authorities should draw up plans to keep the environment safe for all.

S. Amalshi Navanjana Peris,

Grade 8,

St. Lawrence’s Convent, Colombo.

Life in the deserts

Winner

Deserts are areas where the yearly rainfall is less than 10 inches and very few plants grow.Even though large areas of desert land have soil that is rich in mineral nutrients most plants cannot use this to grow except when there is a rare shower of rain.

Some areas are covered with alkaline soil with a high content of salt and this too prevents the growth of plant life.

The areas where people live in deserts are known as oases. These are places in the desert which are fertile; where water is available for plants to grow and sustain animal life by providing food.Some oases are created and others improved by constructing deep wells. Water from the ground is brought to the surface via irrigation projects creating oases to grow fruit, sugarcane,cotton, dates and other crops.

All deserts are dry and the evaporation of water usually exceeds the rainfall in the area.The skies are normally clear and cloudless. It is very hot during the day but cool in the nights.

Many plant varieties that grow in the deserts have a short life cycle. They grow quickly when it rains, flowering and producing seeds in a short span of time. Some of the plants have roots that go deep into the ground in search of water.

Most animals that live in deserts become active during the night and rest in burrows during the daytime because it is very hot.

Fathima Asma Uahya,

Grade 8,

British International School,

Nagoda, Kalutara.

My neighbours

I have several neighbours. They do different jobs. My immediate neighbour is Mahesh Senanayaka. He is an engineer. He is married to a school teacher. They have a son. They live in a two-storeyed house.

He owns a car. There is another neighbour who lives next to my house. He is Gunathilaka. He is an accounts clerk. He is unmarried. He lives with his mother. He has a motorbike.

The neighbour who lives behind my house is Katuwawala. He is a planter. He owns many estates in various parts of the island. He is married and has a son who is studying in the United States. He owns two vehicles. The other neighbour who lives behind my house is Pathmasiri. He is a teacher. He is married to a non-working woman. They do not have any children.

My neighbour who lives opposite my house is Almeida. He is a jailor. Mrs. Almeida is a teacher. They are pensioners.

They have a daughter who is married. He owns a trishaw.

All my neighbours are very friendly. I like my neighbours.

Lakshitha Sahan Fernando,

Grade 9S,

St. Peter’s College,

Colombo 4.

Myself

My name is Vihanga Herath. I am eight years old. I study at the Defence Services College, Colombo in Grade Three.

My father’s name is Chelaka and my mother’s name is Chamini. I have a sister. Her name is Pahanya.

My favourite subject is English. My hobby is reading books. My ambition is to be a doctor.

Vihanga Herath,

Grade 3F,

Defence Services College,

Colombo 2.

A versatile tree

Winner:

The coconut tree is a versatile tree which grows mostly in the coastal belt. Every part of the tree is used by the people.The friut of the tree, the coconut has many uses.It is used as food, drink and also to produce various items. The liquid of the young coconut (kurumba) is taken as a drink. The mature coconuts are used to obtain milk for cooking purposes.The kernel is also used to produce oil. The shell of the coconut is used to make spoons and beautiful items .

Some people, especially in the villages ,also use them as firewood. Even the dried leaves are used as firewood.The leaves are also thatched and used as roofing material and also woven into mats.Coir which is obtained from the husk is used to make rope,mattresses and brooms while the ekeles from the leaves are turned into ekel brooms which we use to sweep the garden.

The long trunk of the coconut tree provides timber to make rafters for roofs and furniture .The flowers are used to decorate weddings and other functions. The coconut tree is very valuable to us and we need to protect it.

Poornima Madhushani Mullegama,

Grade 9-A,

B/Attampitiya N.S

Orchids are expensive flowers

Winner:

There are different kinds of orchids growing in the country. There are some orchids that grow naturally in the wild and others that are grown for the export market. Orchids, which are ephiphytic plants possess beautifully coloured petals which have the ability to stay fresh for a longer period than most other flowers.Orchids are popular and in great demand because of these special characteristics.

Orchids are not easy to grow and need a lot of attention.

The roots of these plants need a porous soil to grow.Humidity is needed to enhance the colours of the petals.As these plants are easily destroyed by fungi and insects we need to protect them by using the right type of fertilizers and pest control measures.

Orchids can be seen growing wild in the Sinharaja forest. Many beautiful orchids are grown on a large scale in Nuwara Eliya. .These orchids are very popular among tourists.

Orchids are very expensive flowers. Some people present them on birthdays and other special occasions.

Dinushi Mari Malsha,

Grade 9- D, Girls' college,

Dankotuwa.

Beauty of the central hills

Winner:

The central hill country of Sri Lanka enchants visitors always with its legendary natural beauty and diversity.

The tropical lowlands and the high altitudes in the mountains produce a wondrous contrast in landscape and climate endowing this small island with one of the world's richest biodiversity.

Kandy is the capital of the hill country . It is a sanctuary of traditional culture and includes places of religious and historic importance such as the Dalada Maligawa, or the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.

It is where the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha is enshrined and the famous Esala perahera is held annually.The magnificent Royal Botanical Gardens comprises a vast collection of flora including orchids, medicinal plants, spices and palms which is a paradise for nature lovers.

Sri Lanka's premier hill resort, Nuwara Eliya situated in this region is renowned for its cool climate. The town is picturesquely located on the shore of Lake Gregory and is about 1890 feet above sea level.It is the capital of the tea industry.We can see vast acres of tea plantations or estates.Old building such as the post Offfice the Holy Trinity Church, the grand Hotel and Adhisham bunglow in Haputale are rich in old English architecture.

The Knuckles Range is a paradise for those who love to hike or go mountain biking.The Horton Plains plateau, a secluded wilderness sanctuary offers one of the most unforgettable scenic views in the country.

The highlands which reach a height of over 2500 metres have a magical and haunting beauty.

The dramatic misty mountains, cryrstal clear waterfalls, dizzy precipices and wind-blown plains all add to the beautyof the central hills and are a paradise for nature lovers the world over.

M.N.Mohamed Afrath,

Grade 10 E,

Baduriya Central College,

Mawanella.