9 years and below
My mother
My parents are the heroes in my life. From the day I was born, my mother has been a special hero who looks after me with great care. My mother’s name is Upeksha Kodithuwakku. She works at the University of Moratuwa.
My mother can understand my feelings very well. When I’m sad, she tries to make me happy and she consoles me whenever I face a problem. She smiles with me when I’m happy.
She helps me and my sister in our studies and other activities. We have attended many tournaments and competitions, and won them with her guidance.
Kindness, respect, patience and trustworthiness are her good qualities. Her friends also believe in her. We love to listen to her jokes. She likes to sing songs, read books and visit historical places.
As a mother she always gives us advice wrapped with love. I think that I have got the best mother in the world.
Rasandi Ranasinghe
Musaeus College, Colombo
10 – 12 years
Vesak sightseeing
When the Vesak moon peeped from the sky, my sister and I lit Vesak lanterns and decorations enthusiastically. Our father helped us a lot and we were in a hurry to leave for Vesak sightseeing.
In the night on Vesak Day our family went outside to witness the colourful creations our neighbours had made. Then we headed to the main road to watch more attractions. Throughout the road, there were many beautiful Vesak lanterns made of different shapes like lotuses, aeroplanes, spheres and more. We were able to taste sandwiches, cake and a cup of tea provided by a dansala. It reminded me of a manioc dansala last year.
To see more wonderful work we moved towards Piliyandala town. There was a large gathering in front of the pandal there and we also rushed to see it. The narrators presented the story of Sarana Thero. We were happy to listen to the story and to see the pandal with attractive painting and decorative with multi-coloured lights.
Finally, we visited the temple to worship Lord Buddha and receive blessings from Buddhist priests. We brought happy memories home on the Vesak sightseeing day.
Esandi Ranasinghe
Musaeus College, Colombo
13 – 15 years
The significance of Vesak
Vesak is one of the most important festivals in the Buddhist calendar. It commemorates three events in the life of Gautama Buddha, namely his Birth as Prince Siddhartha, attainment of Enlightenment and passing into Parinirvana. Moreover it also has spiritual as well as social significance celebrated by all communities in Sri Lanka in unity.
The arrival of Vesak Day is anticipated by not only Buddhists but also people following various other religions. The dansals, Vesak lanterns, exhibition of lights and decorations is a fun-filled, exciting occasion for all Sri Lankans.
Vesak holds deep significance in terms of morals. It is a day for spiritual reflection and renewal where Buddhists visit temples, offering flowers and incense as symbols of purity and holiness.
Dansals cultivate compassion and generosity. Many individuals and organizations offer free food and drinks to people of all communities. Moreover, releasing captive animals and offering alms to monks are some other acts of kindness.
Organizing cultural programmes such as singing, dancing and plays depicting Lord Buddha’s life, build a sense of spirituality and goodwill. It cultivates wisdom and purifies the mind.
Vesak lanterns are the main spotlight. These colourful lanterns of various shapes and colours hanging everywhere give a spectacular view during the night time. People wander the streets enjoying food from dansals and marvelling at the picturesque surroundings.
Therefore Vesak serves much significance as it unites people of all communities, serving as a powerful reminder of Lord Buddha’s universal message of peace, wisdom and compassion.
Nivethikaa Yogendran
St. Bridget’s Convent, Colombo
