DD/24/182

 Sri Lanka is famous for tea throughout the world. There is a great demand for our tea in the world market.The tea plantation industry is very important to Sri Lanka because the export of tea earns 60% of our foreign exchange. The tea cultivation in Sri Lanka was started in 1870 during the British era. Tea grows well in the hill country. It grows well on wet slopes. It needs plenty of rain. It also needs a lot of sunshine.There are thousands of acres of land under tea cultivation in Sri Lanka. Large tea estates can be seen in Nuwaraeliya, Badulla, Kandy, Kegalle and Ratnapura districts. We produce a large quantity of tea every year. The government has taken several steps to develop the tea plantation industry in Sri Lanka. We export tea to countries in Middle East and to Britain and Australia. Our Tea Research Institute is situated in Lindula, Thalawakele.Tea is our biggest foreign exchange earner.🌱

      Sigiriya is an ancient rock fortress. It was built by King Kasyapa. Sigiriya is world famous for its frescoes. Foreign tourists who come to Sri Lanka never fail to visit Sigiriya. It is a place of archaeological and historical value.       We can see the graffiti or verses on the mirror wall. These verses had been written by the ancient visitors. These verses help us to learn about the evolution and development of our language. There are nearly 700 such verses on this mirror wall.    Although King Kasyapa is regarded as a patricide, he was a lover of art. That's why he had created such a beautiful fortress with attractive paintings of beautiful ladies.     We have to climb up the rock along a flight of steps through the mouth of a large carved lion. That's why it is called "Sinha giri" or "Sigiri". The rock is 600ft - in height. There are ruins of an ancient palace on the top of the rock. There is also a moat around the rock. ...

 Trees are an integral part of our environment. Both man and the animals cannot live without trees🌱. A tree serves us many ways. We get fruits, timber and medicine from the trees. Trees provide us shelter. We get the most needed rain because of the trees. Trees beautify our environment. They stop the soil erosion too. Trees are useful not only to the human beings but also to the animals. Birds build their nests on trees🪺. We know that the main cause of the drought is the cutting down of trees🪵. When we cut down trees, water fountains run dry.    Most of the people have not realised the value of trees. Illegal feeling of trees is very common today. It is true that sometimes we need to cut down trees. But we must plant another tree in that place. It takes only one or two hours to cut down a big tree. But it takes several years to grow a tree.    The forest cover in Sri Lanka has been reduced to 20% today. Even the forest reserves that are protected by the gover...

 Dr.C.W.W. Kannangara is regarded as the father of free education. He was an eminent Sri Lankan educationist who rendered a yeoman service for the development of education in our country.   He became the Minister of Education in 1931. He made great changes in the education system. He worked hard to bring about reforms in education. He realised that the educational system prevailed at that time was not at all suitable.   The main objective of his educational reforms was to help the poor village children who lacked educational facilities. He saw that there were rural children who had inborn talents in various fields. He wanted to pave the way for these children to develop their talents. In order to fulfil this requirement he started the system of scholarships. Dr. Kannangara can be regarded as a national hero who paved the way to both urban and rural students to receive free education. The concept of Central colleges was his greatest contribution to the developmen...

Social media refers to digital platforms and applications that allow people to create, share, and interact with content online. Unlike traditional forms of media such as television or newspapers, social media encourages active participation. Users are not only consumers of information but also creators who can post their own ideas, photos, videos, and messages. Popular social media platforms include Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and X. Each of these platforms offers different features, but all aim to connect people and allow them to communicate easily across the world. People use social media for many reasons. It helps individuals stay in touch with friends and family, even if they live far away. Users can share updates about their lives, post photos and videos, and express their thoughts and opinions. Social media is also a powerful source of news and information, allowing people to follow current events and trends quickly. In addition, it provides opportunities for learning,...

 My brother’s name is Milindu Mihinthathi Rajapaksha. He is 18 years old. By now, he has completed his studies up to the Ordinary Level. He is very talented at preparing a variety of foods and cooks very deliciously. He has also followed a pastry and bakery course, which is his passion. At present, he is employed. Even though he is younger than me in age, in his behavior and sense of responsibility, he is like an elder brother to me. He is always there to protect me. No matter how much we argue, I know very well that he will stand by me whenever I need him. Today, he is a very handsome young man. However, to me, he is still the little mischievous boy he was in childhood. I am proud that he has grown into such a handsome young man. Even at a young age, he works hard to carry many responsibilities. One day, I wish for him to achieve even greater success than me and to always live a happy life.

 The University of the Visual and Performing Arts is a place where many talented students pursue their education. Through dance, music, visual arts, and drama, this university produces many skilled individuals for society. As someone who has loved dancing since childhood, it is a great joy for me to now be an undergraduate student at this university. Located in the city of Colombo, the University of the Visual and Performing Arts is a very beautiful place. It is also popularly known by the meaningful name “The Home of Arts.” Every year, various programs as well as traditional festivals based on different dance traditions are held here in a grand manner. This university has produced many talented actors and actresses for the Sri Lankan cinema industry. Likewise, it has nurtured skilled singers for the music field and talented dancers for the dance field. The University of the Visual and Performing Arts can be introduced as an excellent place that guides all those who love art to mov...

 There are several sacred places in Sri Lanka.Among them Adam's peak is regarded as one of the most sacred places to Buddhists.The Mahawansa says that Lord Buddha set his foot print on the summit of Sri Pada on his third visit to Sri Lanka.   Some people believe that God Saman has been guarding this foot print since the day that Lord Buddha visited the mountain.This sacred mountain is situated in the Sabaragamuwa province. The distance from Colombo to this place is 101km. The height of this mountain is 7362ft.   Devotees go on pilgrimages to this sacred mountain every year. The pilgrimage season begins in December and ends in May. People in all walks of life climb this mountain during this period. They usually go in groups. The leader of the group is called "Nade Gura". While climbing the mountain they recite devotional verses. They climb the mountain as members of a same family. They stop at resting places and share their meals. They don't feel tired as their minds a...

 As social beings we cannot live alone.We must have friends to share our happiness and sorrow.Good friends can be regarded as one of the valuable assets and a source of strength.They give us advice and help us when needed.As school children we too should have good friends.We should always try to keep company with good friends.A good friend is like a shadow.He always try to protect his companions.  It is said that "A friend in need is a friend indeed"."A good friend is always truthful in words and deeds.He never leaves his companions alone"."A life without a true friend is just like a death without any evidence". This is also and old great saying.  A good friend always tries to lead his companions in the correct path.He never misleads them.Lord Buddha has taught us to keep company only with good friends.Bad effects of keeping company with bad friends have been pointed out to us by Lord Buddha.As we know, many lives have been ruined as a result of keeping co...