At the very dawn of our history, drugs have been used by mankind for their medical purposes. But now it has become an international problem because of using these drugs in an incorrect way. Some examples of these drugs are cannabis, heroin, brown sugar, cocaine, LSD and marijuana. But heroin is most popular among drug addicts all over the world.

The drug addicts are very harmful and dangerous because after using drugs their memory may be deformed. Drug addicts don’t think about the other people but only his self defence. He never
realizes the harmful effects of it.

Not only the adults and youth but also school children are familiar with using drugs. Curiosity, intoxication, lack of parental control, too much money, are the main reasons for this sad state.

So, we have to get together and try our best to defeat this drug monster. Not only that we have to solve this problem, by developing our good qualities, tolerance, understanding and helpfulness. The government must lead and guide this task. Not only the government, but also the social services, social workers, teachers, parents, as well as the public must get together soon.

The proud ant

9 –11 years

By Ruwimal Pathiraja (9 years), St. Mary's College, Hambantota

One pleasant day, a band of ants were carrying acorns from the big acorn tree to the ants' small home. While the ants carried their precious acorns to their house, one little ant stood all by himself.

"I won't help those dirty ants. I'm going to get those acorns on the tree myself and eat them alone in winter," he thought. The other ants knew that this ant was mischievous and difficult to bring to heel. So while the other ants worked hard, this mischievous ant worked alone. The acorns were too big and heavy for this ant and soon, he fell down, worn out.

The other ants collected enough acorns for themselves and they saw that the mischievous ant was helpless. Seeing this the kind ants rushed over and helped the ant who had worked alone. Thus the mischievous ant learned to become helpful.

Butterflies

8 years and below

By Chathil Kumara (8 years), Republican International School, Nuwara Eliya

Butterflies are insects. They have two wings, six legs and two proboscis to suck nectar. Their wings are bright and colourful. There are beautiful butterflies in our garden. They fly from flower to flower.

There are four stages in their life cycle. They are egg, caterpillar, cocoon and butterfly. Butterflies lay their eggs on leaves. Then caterpillars come out. They feed on leaves. After some time they make cocoons around themselves and sleep for a few days. At the end of their sleep they turn into beautiful butterflies.
Some birds and lizards are their enemies.

I like to see beautiful butterflies.