9 years and below
Write a letter to a friend inviting her/him for your birthday
My dear friend Anne,
How are you? I am fine and hope you are doing well. I write this letter to invite you and your little brother, Adrien, to my twin brother Joshua and my birthday party. The birthday party will
be celebrated on November 3rd, around 4 p.m., at our home, “Hensman Villa”.
As you know, my granny will bake a delicious cake and ice it for us to celebrate the cake-cutting ceremony. After that we can go to the park which was built by my father during the COVID pandemic, to play on the see-saw, swing and slide. When we are tired, we can return to our home library and read storybooks.
Please do not forget to bring your little brother, as my twin brother is eagerly waiting to play with him. I am also looking forward to meeting you soon at our birthday party. We can all enjoy the evening together.
Your loving friend,
Joshlynn Hensman
Joshlynn Hensman (8 years)
Chundikuli Girls’ College, Jaffna
10 – 12 years
My favourite activity
My favourite activity is reading books and I enjoy reading a lot! Among other activities, I enjoy it the most. I love reading fiction and mystery novels. The thrill of getting lost in a whole new world is unimaginable. I love reading because it boosts my creativity and allows me to temporarily forget all my daily worries.
Books offer valuable lessons, insights and perspectives that help me grow mentally as a person. Reading exposes me to various skills such as writing skills. Reading is a calming and enjoyable way to relax during my free time.
Some of my all-time favourite books are, ‘Matilda’ by Roald Dahl, ‘Famous Five’ and ‘Secret Seven’ by Enid Blyton. These books have motivated me to do my studies and have captivated me with their engaging stories, memorable characters and thought-provoking themes.
The conclusion is that reading is not just an activity but a passion that enriches my life. I encourage others to read and enjoy books too.
Stefan Steinwall (11 years)
St. Peter’s College, Colombo 4
13 – 15 years
World Post Day
Beneath the hush of dawn or the golden glow of evening, a letter travels, unseen, unheard and carrying with it the beating heart of a distant soul.
On October 9, we celebrate World Post Day, a day that honours this quiet miracle of human connection, born from ink, paper and enduring hope.
Since the founding of the Universal Postal Union in 1874, the humble post has bridged oceans and continents, threading together lives, cultures and dreams. Long before screens flickered with messages, a letter written by hand, sealed with care was the most intimate whisper across time and distance.
There is unmatched beauty in the weight of a handwritten envelope, in the scent of old paper, in the careful curve of every word. It is love that lingers, memory that breathes. A message that waits patiently yet arrives just when it is most needed.
And behind every message stands the unwavering spirit of the postal worker walking through wind, rain or sun, carrying stories in satchels, delivering joy door to door.
World Post Day is not merely a tribute to a service, but to a sentiment that no distance is too great when hearts are willing. In every letter lies a promise, in every parcel, a piece of someone’s world.
Let us celebrate the post; timeless, tender and true.
Vihanga Karunarathne (13 years)
Lakdasa De Mel College, Kurunegala
