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![]() 28th June 1998 |
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How sunlight helps usDo you know what happens to our body when we expose it to the sun's rays? Sunlight actually destroys particular fungi and bacteria that may have settled on our skin. In another way it acts as a protective agent, activating the white blood cells and thus these cells attack disease germs in our body and help us to keep healthy. A substance called ergosterol transforms into vitamin 'D' by the sun's ultra violet rays, which is useful for our bones. Every one should expose themselves to sunlight only in phases. Over exposure to sun can cause problems likes skin cancer. D.Harisudhan Kingston College International, Mutwal.
MyselfMy name is Piumee Maheshika. I'm ten years old. I am in year 6. My school is Taxila Central College. I love my school. My parents are Mr. and Mrs. Dayarathna. I have one sister and no brothers. She is Gethma Gayara. My favourite subject is English. My pet is a dog. Its name is Tommy. I love my dog Tommy. I like to drink king coconut. I like to eat fruits such as apples and grapes. My favourite flower is rose. My favourite hobby is playing net ball. I want to be a doctor. Piumee Maheshika Dayarathna K/Taxila Central College.
"The daughter who brought glory to mother"There is a village called 'Warakapola' Udana Livera Joseph Vaz College, Wennappuwa
SquirrelsSquirrels are harmless animals, and they need much looking after, because they often become victims to cats and dogs. You should not take them from their mothers before they are about one month old. Choose a squirrel that looks healthy and with lovely lines on its back. Don't handle the small one too much, as it will be frightened. Squirrels need a warm dry place to sleep. They like to have a box or a cage to sleep in. Small ones need milk for their food, and later they eat fruits. They should have meals often.Squirrels are independent. Looking after squirrels can be a hobby too. Tharanga Abeygunawardena Sujatha Vidyalaya, Matara
Why I studyI study to gather knowledge and find employment. Today unemployment is an acute problem in Sri Lanka. One reason is because most young men and women are poor in English. There's big competition in getting jobs, due to the lack of a person's knowledge. Learning is very important. Basically the person has to know how to read and write. If you don't know how to do both, you are considered iliterate. Today Sri Lanka has a high rate of lliteracy. With the introduction of free education many children started to go to school. It's a big help especially to the poor children. I give my best to my studies, so that some day I would be able to do a good job. Kosala Priyanath Weerasingha President College, Maharagama.
Why gunpowder was used for warOne of the problems which man had to solve from the time when he first began to hunt was that of finding weapons which could hit a target from a distance. The more afraid animals became of man, the further away from him they kept. This led to the creation of various weapons which were thrown, and then to the bow and arrow. The invention of gunpowder, that is a mixture of potassium nitrate, sulphur and carbon which burns very rapidly when it is lit, led to a whole series of discoveries and finally to firearms. This was a metal tube filled with gunpowder which, when ignited, caused an explosion. Heavy balls were thrown to varying distances, depending on the length of the barrel and the size of the explosive charge. For about 600 years gunpowder was the only explosive, then in the middle of the nineteenth century, nitroglycerin and nitrocellulose were discovered, and more modern weaponry was created. Jayani Ellapola Sujatha Vidyalaya, Nugegoda.
Stamp News 22 From Kumbikele to PallekeleDo you remember Kumbikele in the heart of Colombo 7? Way back in 1952 the first Boy Scouts National Jamboree after Independence was held there. That's where the BMICH stands today on Bauddhaloka Mawatha (then Bullers Road). Pallekele close to Kandy was the venue of the 5th National Jamboree held in February 1998. The other three were held at the Colombo Racecourse (1962), Anuradhapura (1983) and Kurunegala (1992). Two stamps (Rs. 2.50 and Rs. 17) were issued to mark the 5th National Jamboree. With 'Growing Together' as the theme, the stamps featured the National Jamboree logo prominently. Rs. 2.50 stamp also depicted the flag being hoisted by a few scouts with the Dalada Maligawa in the background to signify the venue. The Rs. 17 stamp had the Sri Lankan flag and the scout logos - international and national - with a scout camp in the background. A Jamboree enables scouts of all walks of life and nationalities to meet, camp together, learn from one another and exhibit their talents. The feeling of brotherhood is strengthened and long lasting friendships are made. World Jamborees are held every four years. The first was held in 1920 when the founder of the scout movement Baden Powell (later Lord) was acclaimed the Chief Scout of the World. Born on 22nd February 1857, Baden Powell had a distinguished career in the British army in India and Africa moving up to the rank of Lieutenant-General. He published 'Scouting for boys' which became immensely popular, inspiring him to hold an experimental camp at Brownsea Island in 1907. The movement soon gathered momentum both in England and many other countries. Sri Lanka saluted the founder of scouting with the issue of a 50 cent stamp on 24th May 1982 to mark his 125th birth anniversary. The stamp had a portrait of Baden Powell. The popular scout movement was introduced to Sri Lanka in 1912, five years after Lord Baden Powell found the movement. It is an organisation engaged in the training of boys through outdoor activity, to become useful citizens. Every boy is invested as a scout on making the Scout Promise and thereafter goes on to acquire an array of skills and badges leading to his gaining the highest award in his group. Scouts are divided into four age groups each with its ultimate award. Scout leaders undergo a five-phased training programme leading to graduation in scouting. The Head of State who is the Chief Scout in Sri Lanka appoints the Chief Commissioner. He is responsible for the technical side of scouting and heads the Sri Lanka Scout Council, the governing body for scouting. It consists of active Scout Leaders, Commissioners and lay members. The Island is divided into 37 scout districts each under the control of a District Commissioner who is appointed by the Chief Commissioner. Scout Groups in Schools as well as Open Groups sponsored by religious and voluntary service organisations are formed in each district. Each scout group is under a Scout Leader.
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