9 years and below
A visit to the zoo
I know that many of you have visited the zoo, but I have visited that place when I was only one or two years old. My little brother has visited the zoo with his friends as a school trip. He was in nursery at that time.
Even though I can't remember how the zoo looks like, I do know lots of things about it since my brother told me about his trip. He told me that there were monkeys, lions, tigers, giraffes, birds and cute rabbits. Monkeys were climbing up trees and eating bananas, lions were just sleeping everywhere, birds were flying around singing cheerfully and rabbits were eating lots of carrots. When they went to the aquarium he saw all kinds of fish like guppies, clownfish, goldfish, catfish and dolphins.
Next time I'm going to ask my mother and father whether we can go there.
Aanya Perera (9 years)
Holy Family Convent, Bambalapitiya
10 – 12 years
The Esala Perahera
The Esala Perahera or the Dalada Perahera is an annual procession held in Kandy. Since the 18th century the pageant procession pays homage to the Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha. Nilames conduct the rites according to the ‘Dalada Siritha’. Amidst the silver light of the Esala moon, the procession parades the streets of Kandy brightened with Coppara torches. The heavy beat of whip-crackers signifies the beginning. Right after come the flag-bearers carrying different flags. Next-in-line the fireball acrobats give us goosebumps; so do the stilt-walkers.
Rhythms of Kandyan drums, thammattama, davula together with the enchanting sound of horanewas fill the evening air. Rabana and udekki players bring a vibrant atmosphere. There are plenty of dancers including prestigious Kandyan dancers, sawaram dancers and kavadi dancers.
The most awaited occasion is the ceremonial tusker carrying the golden casket. He is flanked by two other tuskers and noble nilames. All the elephants are adorned in lavish garments illuminated with lights. ‘Sadhu’ chanting reverberates among the hills of Kandy.
This is the most historical and cultural procession in the world. Thousands of locals and foreigners congregate to eyewitness this Sri Lankan heritage. Today it is live streamed, opening the opportunity of respecting the Sacred Tooth Relic to the world!
Lisathma Munasinghe (10 years)
Sujatha Vidyalaya, Nugegoda
13 – 15 years
A view I will never forget
There is always that specific moment, a view that etches deeply into your soul and mind with a single glance. The view I will never forget is the open, stormy beaches along the coastlines of Galle.
I remember being excited about our upcoming school trip on August 7th to the Galle Fort and then to a resort. The day went by as planned, filled with memories and laughter ringing through the air from every direction. As we passed Jungle Beach and several beaches throughout our bus trip, I couldn’t stop myself from staring out of the window at the majestic sight. In the morning, the waves were fierce and daunting, striking against the heavy rocks as if fighting a long-lasting battle. The faint smell of seaweed and salt wafted through the air as my friends and I put our heads out of the bus, staring in awe at the sea.
On the way back home, we were lucky to see more beautiful beaches that seemed the opposite of the earlier sight. The sea seemed serene, more breathtaking in its calm façade. I felt my eyes blur as I stared fixedly at the glimmering waves from a distance. An automatic, weathered smile took over my tired face. In spite of all the significant ornaments I saw in the Galle Museum, the nature in its true course, away from Colombo and witnessed in these seas, brought forward the undulating, childish happiness and wonder of things beyond our reach.
Though the trip is long gone and a memory tucked inside our heads, I can still remember the feeling brought forward by such a simple view. Last but not least, it is the simplest of moments that touch our hearts and remind us of the nature beyond our illusory control.
Aysha Manaal (15 years)
Ilma Int. Girls’ School
