Beauty of coastal Sri Lanka

The award ceremony of the national school art competition on 'Marine and Coastal Resources' organized by the Turtle Conservation Project (TCP) for the fourth consecutive year was held on the July 24, 2010 at the Colombo Public Library.

Ayodya Jithmini receives her prize.

The occasion was graced by the Minister of Power and Energy Patali Champika Ranawaka and Deputy Minister of Health Mahinda Amaraweera. The competition was themed 'Beauty of coastal Sri Lanka'.
The entries showed various aspects of the coastal beauty including sea turtles, mangroves, coral reefs and golden sandy beaches.

Over 7500 entrants from all provinces including the North and East participated in the competition from which 103 students were selected to the finals. From the 103 finalists, 50 were awarded Certificates of Distinction and the rest were awarded with Certificates of Merit.

Thilangani Weerasingha won first prize in the Senior Category, while Randika Fernando, Thathsara Abeysingha and Ayodya Jithmini, won first place in the Junior, Primary and Pre-School categories respectively. Second and third places were also awarded. Presentations were made in the form of a
documentary film on marine turtles of Sri Lanka and sea turtle conservation, to enhance the students' knowledge of turtles.

The programme was organized by the Turtle Conservation Project (TCP), established in 1993, with the aim of creating awareness among the younger generation especially school children, and making Sri Lankan seas a favourable habitat for turtles.

Mr. Thushan Kapurusingha, Project Leader and Chairman of TCPSL said, "We have to do this annually since we have a great demand for it." He proudly said that the entries have increased considerably, even students from areas like Jaffna and Ampara participating.

The day ended with smiling faces departing from the hall, with certificates and gift parcels in their hands. They are the children who have expressed their ideas on the beauty of the coast and sea animals in the form of painting.

First Prize Winners

Senior: Thilangani Weerasingha, Mahamaya B. V., Kandy

Junior: Randika Fernando, Joseph Vaz M. V.,Wennapuwa

Primary: Thathsara Abeysingha, Galnewa Primary School

Pre-School: Ayodya Jithmini, Ceylinco Sussex, Galle