Sri Lanka's Independence Day

Under 9 years

Our Independence Day is on February 4. We gained our independence in 1948. Before that our country Sri Lanka was under British rule. The King of England was the king of Sri Lanka too.

Our Sri Lankan patriots did not like to be under British rule. They fought against the foreign rulers. Most of them had to die. Gonagalegala Banda, Veera Puran Appu and many others died in this battle of freedom.

After many years, Hon. D.S. Senanayake, F.R. Senanayake, Sir D.B. Jayatilake and some others discussed with King George about our independence. As a result we got our independence in 1948.

Nimashi Fernando (9 years)
Ave Maria Convent,
Negombo

A plea from the poor

Hail the cold, long nights,
When matchsticks warm my fingertips.
I pray for a scrap of bread,
To warm my ice-blue lips.

Around me people trudge,
And how garishly they dress.
How I envy them for they have homes;
Peaceful places to rest.

Are they blind, I often wonder,
To the homeless they step over?
While some die with not a morsel to eat,
Others feast with hearts cold and sober.

My pen is my harmless weapon,
To a world of happiness my key;
So I hope for some kind soul,
To hear my helpless plea.

Nethmee Mallawaarachchi
(13 years)
St. Bridget's Convent

The tightrope walker

9 - 12 years

"Oops!" said the tightrope walker as he fell. "I'll never do it," he moaned. "Just like Mr. Underwood said I am a good for nothing clown." "I've got only half an hour to practice before Mr. Underwood comes for practices."

Half an hour passed and still he couldn't get the hang of it. "OK everyone" Mr. Underwood cried. "Time for practices." Still the tightrope walker couldn't make it to the other side without falling.

At last Mr. Underwood said, "I'm only taking you for this because it's too late to kick you out." "You may ruin our circus."

"I'm sorry. I'll try my best."

The big day came and it was his turn. He took a deep breath and began to walk. Now there was a little more to go. There was a burst of applause as he made it. At the end they announced the best act. "And now here is the tightrope walker." "See..." said the announcer. "You can do it if you want to." 'Thanks!" he said and smiled.

Farah Rameez (10 years)
Ilma International Girls' School