DD/24/078 Pawara

Pidurutalagala Mountain is the highest mountain in Sri Lanka. Rising to a height of 2,524 meters above sea level, it begins near the town of Nuwara Eliya, which itself is situated at an elevation of about 1,800 meters. The summit of the mountain is a flat, rocky plateau covered with dry grass. In the forests surrounding the mountain region, endemic plants and animals can be found. Various species of ferns, orchids, and binara flowers grow there, while animals such as deer, leopards, and giant squirrels are commonly seen. From the summit, locations such as Sri Pada, Hakgala, and Horton Plains can be observed. A radar system operated by the Sri Lanka Air Force is installed at the peak, making it a high-security zone.

Among Sri Lanka’s traditional dance forms, there are three main traditions: Kandyan, Law Country, and Sabaragamuwa. Among these, the Law Country dance tradition can be identified as a distinctive style. It developed primarily in the low-country regions and the Western Province of Sri Lanka. Within the Law Country dance tradition, there are four main sub-styles: Matara, Bentara, Raigama, and Siyane. Each of these sub-traditions consists of unique elements of dance, singing, drumming, decorations, and costumes, which differ from one another. In the Law Country dance tradition, the principal ritual of healing (Shanthikarma) is the Devol Madu ceremony. Its narrative is connected to King Seraman, who ruled in India, and the goddess Pattini. Among the rituals conducted in honor of deities, the most notable are the Gammadu, Ginimadu, Poonamadu, Thundaa Gimadu, and Kolmura Yagaya. For the appeasement of demons, the main rituals performed are Sanni Yakuma, Mahasohon Samayama, Riddi Yagaya, and...

The best book that I have ever read is "Madol Doova". It is a novel written for children. The author of this book is Mr.Martin Wickramasinghe. He is the greatest novelist in Sri Lanka. I like this book very much for several reasons. This book is an adventurous novel. The main characters are Upali and Jinna in this novel. Upali Giniwella is the hero of the novel. The novel depicts the gradual devolopment of Upali and finally how he becomes a successful man achieving his goals in the life. I think every child likes the charecter of upali and wonderful things that he did.

My favourite T.V. programme is "Wild Asia". It is telecast on "Jathika Rupavahini" every saturday at 6.30 p.m. This is an educational and documentary programme. Wild Asia programme is presented by Mr. Arun Dias Bandaranayake. This Programme is very popular among children and adults all over the country. This programme shows wild animals in many forests. Various kinds of of insects, reptiles, amphibious and butbutterflies are also introduced by this programme.The main objective of this programme is to introduce animal behavior. Children can learn much from this programme . Kinds of animals, peculiar types of habits and behavior patterns ,their life cycle and many other things relevant to animals are some of such significant things. Mainly this programme improves our general knowledge. I like this programme very much.

This is one of the national festivals in Sri Lanka. Generally this festival falls in April. All Sinhalese and Tamils all over the country join hands to celebrate this festival highly,giving priority to traditional folk games. Transition of the Sun from the Meena to Mesha is celebrated as the arrival of the New Year.The singing of Cuckoo birds is heard every corner of the island. On this special day people follow a scheduled routine and work on auspicious times. The time duration when there is no any auspicious moment is called "Nonagathaya". During this time people involve in religious activities. People dressed in new costumes play various folk games like chakgudu and pancha.People make milk rice,oil cakes and sweets for this special festival. This is a very important day for people in the country. Meeting friends and relations is also very vital. The real meaning of the New Year is living very happily and peacefully.

Christmas is a religious festival. This festival is celebrated by Christians in the world. Christmas falls on 25th of December every year. Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ on this day.There are various religious activities in churches to mark this holy day and every thing is done with the direction of priests of respective churches. Christians make christmas cakes and many sweets for this special festival.A christmas tree is decorated and lighted in every house. Children are very much interested in decorating christmas trees.Children as well as the youth involve in singing Christmas carols in churches.Helping poor people,giving them gift items and organizing alms giving are somebof such activities. Christmas sweets that they prepare are shared among neighbours.

Water is a gift of nature. Water is the life blood of the man and all cratures. We ger water to the earth from several forms. Rain,falling snow,falling ice burgs are some forms of getting water to the earth. Water can be used for various purposes of both people and animals. People can live for seversl days without food but it is difficult for them to live more than one day without water. According to the scientific inventions there is more than 75% water in the blood of a healthy person. There are lots of benifits that people gain from water.Specially people use water for drinking,bathing,washing and cultivating purposes.Many environmentalists have predicted that water would be a scarce resource in future.It is our responsibility to conserve water to get the maximum benefits from available water resources.Let's save water because it saves us all and gives us life.

The Vesak festival is a sacred celebration for Buddhists around the world.Vesak festival falls in the month of May every year. It is observed in remembrance of the three significant events in the life of Prince Siddhartha: his birth, enlightenment, and passing away (Parinirvana). By commemorating this festival, human virtues are developed and strengthened. During Vesak, importance is given to both material offerings and the practice of following the teachings. Processions, pandals , and dansals are organized in honor of the Buddha. Observing sil and listening to Dhamma sermons are also special activities. The village temple plays a central role in celebrating Vesak beautifully. Decorations such as pandals, lanterns, oil lamps, strings of bulbs, and flags are key features that add to the beauty of the festival.

My pet is a cat. It is a very cute animal. Its name is Twinky. Twinky is 2 years old. My pet is black and white in color. Twinky looks beautiful because of its fur. Twinky’s favorite food is fish, and it also likes to drink milk. It really enjoys sleeping as well. It has a habit of going to everyone in our house and purring. Our pet is very loving to everyone at home. Everyone in our family loves Twinky very much.

My country is Sri Lanka. It is known as the Pearl of the Indian Ocean. Sri Lanka is located in the continent of Asia and in the Indian Ocean. Sri Lanka is an agricultural country. The population of Sri Lanka is about 20 million. Sinhalese, Tamil, Muslim, and Burgher people live in Sri Lanka. The capital city of Sri Lanka is Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte. The highest mountain in Sri Lanka is Pidurutalagala, and the longest river is the Mahaweli River. Sri Lanka gained independence on February 4, 1948. The national flower of Sri Lanka is the blue water lily, and the national tree is the Na tree. The national bird is the junglefowl, and the national animal is the giant squirrel. Our national sport is volleyball. There are many tourist attractions in Sri Lanka, such as waterfalls, wildlife sanctuaries, beaches, and historical sites. I love my country.

Sigiriya is a historical heritage site in Sri Lanka. It was built by King Kashyapa. Sigiriya is located in the Central Province, in the Dambulla District. In 1982, it was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. At the summit of the Sigiriya rock, King Kashyapa’s palace was constructed. The architectural features of Sigiriya attract both local and foreign visitors. World-famous frescoes and the Mirror Wall can be seen there. Sigiriya is also known as the Eighth Wonder of the World. It is our responsibility to protect and preserve Sigiriya.

My favourite Artist is Mr.Susantha Vidanagame.He is a traditional Lawcountry dance artist. He was born in the Witiyala area of Kamburupitiya. His father is Karunaratne Vidanagamage, and his mother is Maddumage Sumanawathi. He studied at Matara Kongala Maha Vidyalaya. For his higher education, he entered the University of the Visual and Performing Arts. He first served as an external lecturer and a temporary instructor, and since 2010 he has been working as a permanent lecturer at the university. As a distinguished artist of the Lawcountry dance tradition, he makes great efforts to preserve and protect this art form.