The funniest zoo animal scratches all over its body, legs, ears, neck and underarms too. It's so noisy. It's much noisier than an elephant's trumpet. It has a cheeky smile; swings on branches; never stops eating bananas. When I go near it, it starts to shriek.

I think it can do tricks at the circus too. Similar to a funny clown, it always drives the zoo keeper mad. It is very, very silly. It plays run and catch with its friends. Who is it? You guessed! A silly, naughty,
troublesome, greedy and noisy monkey!

By Ayushki Pathiraja Royal International School, Kurunegala

Helping out around the house - 9 – 11 years

When we wake up in the morning, the rooms look very untidy. A heap of clothes lying on a chair, last evening's teacup on the rack next to the TV, books all over the table and a messy bed.

So arranging my bedroom is my duty, because I am the one who messes it up. I fold my clothes and put it for ironing, wash my own teacup, arrange the bed and my study table. I also keep my toys where they belong. I do this before I get ready for school.

During the weekend, I help dad wash the car and go with him to the market. In the evening I join my sisters in gardening. I help them remove dead leaves and add manure to the plants.

I enjoy helping everyone at home as I am learning something new everyday. And I also learn to be independent.

By Aamina Ifthikar, Daybridge International School

The Esala Perahera - 12 – 14 years

The Kandy Esala Perahera is no doubt Sri Lanka's most glamorous pageant. It is a great festival held each year.

It is said that the Esala Perahera was started during the time of King Kithsiri Mevan of Anuradhapura. It is believed that the king had started this perahera as a mark of respect to the Tooth Relic of Gautama Buddha.

It is indeed a beautiful sight to see the perahera vending its way through the streets. Raja the chief elephant of the Dalada Maligawa, who carries the Relic Casket is gaily decorated and walks majestically through the streets.

The elephants of Natha, Vishnu, Pattini and Kataragama Devalas too take their respective places in this perahera. In the midst of several other elephants, Kandyan dancers perform their attractive dances to the tune of tom-toms and flutes.

The Diyawadana Nilame of the Dalada Maligawa, dressed in a rich costume walks stately in the
procession, taking the place of early Sinhala kings. He is followed by the Basnayake Nilames of the Devales.

We as a nation should be proud of such a grand event displayed annually.

By Praveenya de Silva Good Shepherd Convent, Panadura