The leader of a SAARC country who impresses me is Maumoon Abdul Gayoom. He is the President of a beautiful country with many islands, called Maldives. He is also a lucky president who has participated for all 15 SAARC summits. He is the only president who has been present at the beginning of the SAARC summit and till now.

I am impressed the most because he is the only president who has governed a country undefeated, for 30 years continuously.

Mr. Maumoon Abdul Gayoom was born on December 29, 1937. He achieved his graduate studies at the Al-Azhar University. He then became a deputy minister. He became the President of Maldives on November 11, 1978. He is also the Defence and Finance Minister.

Abdul Gayoom is a father of two sons and twin daughters. I think he is a good president to his citizens because he has governed for three decades. I like his speeches and he is a pleasant looking person. I wish that he will be President of Maldives for a long time.

How I plan to spend my August holidays

9 –11 years

By Praveenya de Silva (11 years), Good Shepherd Convent, Panadura

I am happy to have a special holiday month because this vacation is the longest one I ever had. I plan to do many things in a useful manner, such as, writing essays, reading books, going on a picnic, playing the piano and visiting a Children's Home.

During the vacation I hope to write essays and improve my English. I like to play the piano when I am free. I play duets with my sister too. I also have planned to go on a picnic with my friends to Hikkaduwa. I'm impatient to have a boat ride and see the panoramic view of the fascinating corals. I also hope to visit a Children's Home and give some gifts to the little ones from the money I have collected, to make them happy.

I'm really glad that I'll be able to do some useful things during the August vacation.

My favourite cartoon

8 years and below

By Kalendra Abeysinghe (5+ years), St. Benedict's College, Kandy

My favourite cartoon is Scooby Doo. It is full of ghosts. There are so many characters like, Scooby, Shaggy, Scrappy, Daphne, Freddy and Velma.

Scooby and Shaggy are very greedy. They are very scared of ghosts but Daphne, Freddy and Velma are not like them. They will go and solve every problem. Scooby and Shaggy are very funny, playing all unnecessary stuff.

Scooby and Shaggy are best friends. Its so scary to watch it but I love this cartoon.