Martin Wickramasinghe

Martin Wickramasinghe was a great Sri Lankan writer of the 20th century. He was born is 1890 at Koggala, in the Southern Province, close to Galle. Martin Wickramasinghe published 14 novels and 104 short stories. His first novel was 'Leela' published in 1914. Among his famous novels, which were made into films are 'Gamperaliya,' 'Viragaya,' 'Madolduwa,' 'Kaliyugaya' and 'Yuganthaya.' His books have been translated in to English, Tamil, Chinese, Russian and many other European languages. He won many local and foreign prizes and awards. He died on January 23, 1976. His ashes are interred in a grass covered mound to the right of the house called the 'Samadhi.'

Martin Wickramasinghe's own house has been renovated and forms a part of the museum. His life and times are presented though photographs, paintings, sketches, souveniers and awards he had received, and they can be seen in the museum.

Kasuni Jayasekera (Grade 8)
Visakha Vidyalaya

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A city named Venice

Venice is a city with a hundred and seventeen islands. These islands are connected with four canals. The Grand Canal is bordered by many places and churches. There are no motor vehicles, horse drawn carts, buses or trains, in Venice. The reason is that there are no streets, roads, high ways or railways. Transportation within Venice is mainly by water. Every type of water transport can be seen plying the Venetian Canals. There are water taxis, buses and police speed boats. The 'Gondola' is the Venetian Taxi, which looks like a long dark bird with a sharp beak. The boatmen make peculiar bird-like cries when moving. He makes this sound to avoid accidents. Venice is a picturesque city. I hope I can visit Venice in the future.

Verona Vaz
Good Shepherd Convent, Kotahena

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Kite-flying

The kite is a toy. It is made with a frame of bamboo. It is covered with colourful paper. For flying a kite a good wind is necessary. Kite-flying is a favourite hobby of some boys as well as adults.

There are some kite-flying contests in our country. Japan, China and India also hold kite-flying contests. In the month of August kite-flying is very popular in our country. I too love it very much.

Kites are made in different shapes like bats, fish, peacock, snakes and butterflies etc. We do need strings to fly kites.

When the kite is in the air it looks like a bird. Kite-flying is a very interesting hobby.

Sajana Perera
Vidura College

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There was an old man

There was an old man I knew
Who loved to see water and dew
So each morning he ran out,
And gave a great shout,
Crying, "Look at this wonderful view."

Anuranie S. Hettiarachchi
(13 years)
Holy Family Convent,
Bambalapitiya

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