A special activity I would like to do with my family

The most interesting activity I would like to do with my family is going on a picnic. My mother also likes to go on picnics. My mother and I like to see forests, large trees, birds, wild animals and wild flowers.
When we go to Hingurakgoda, my aunt's place, we have to pass Habarana forest. It is not a very thick forest. Therefore we can walk along the footpaths of animals. My father says wild elephants won't roam in the forest at day time.
I am afraid of elephants. My father likes the coolness of the forest. I can enjoy and admire the beautiful birds and their chirping.

Tharuka Dilrangi
(9 years)
Holy Family Primary B.V.,
Wennappuwa

Fireworks display

The first time I saw a display of fireworks was at the 10th South Asian Games opening ceremony. I felt thrilled as they announced that the fireworks were about to blast.
As the fireworks rose, I noticed that one group did one thing and another group did another thing of rounds. I asked my father and he told me that they were Catherine Wheels, Roman Candles and rockets.
As they went off everyone could hear a series of whooshes and bangs. Some rockets circled the stadium and went off.
After the display everyone could smell gunpowder in the air, so my father advised me to wave off the smell as he saw that I was choking. After a few minutes the smell was gone and I was free to breathe once more. It was the best day in my memory.

Damian Perera
(10 years)
St. Peter's College,
Colombo 4

The mystery in the winter night

It was a cold, windy, winter day. Mandella walked towards the bookshop to buy her mother a present. There was a deep silence in the city, yet there were lights on in the buildings. The air was thick with mysteriousness, but Mandella went up to the door of the shop. The door was locked. So she rapped.
It took a long time for the door to open. Even though it opened, it was a pixie at the door! The pixie too was surprised, but welcomed her inside. How Mandella stared when she got inside!
The whole room had been changed and was covered with decorations and presents. The ceiling was hung with small bright lamps. There were lots of fairy folks, who usually were in story books.
From them Mandella learned that the people in the city have gone to an island for the winter and that they have come t o celebrate the winter here. Then she knew that in the other buildings sports festivals, dancing and singing festivals were being held.
Mandella had her happiest day there. She danced and ate and got presents. After enjoying, she departed sadly. Mandella is hoping for another fairy party.

Vishaka Basnayake (14 years)
Mahamaya Girls; College,
Kandy

Shall I take your leave?

I was a member of thy solar system,
but in the past.
Now I'm a member of a Dwarf family.
What happened to me?
Oh! What happened to me?
Why did you treat me like this.
Why did you punish me.
No one knows the
reason,
Who can answer my question?
Please, give me an answer.
(About Pluto)

Maneesha Ranawana
(13 years)
St. Joseph's B. M. V., Kegalle

Sigiriya

Sigiriya is situated in Dambulla in the District of Matale. People go to Sigirya everyday to climb this huge rock. This rock is very steep. It is about 600 feet high. We can see some beautiful paintings on part of its walls and also can find very interesting ruins at the top. Sigiriya was a fortress of King Kashyapa.

There is a wonderful staircase leading to it, through the mouth of a big lion. This lion is carved out of stone. So it's called Singhagiri. King Kashyapa made this to protect himself against his enemies. King Kashyapa ruled Anuradhapura from this fortress for 18 years. Now-a-days Sigiriya is a very famous place worldwide. It has become one of the wonders of the world.

Sajana Perera (Grade 6)
Vidura College