This year on Vesak day we celebrated the 2600th year of enlightenment of
Lord Buddha. Two hundred and eighty-two years after the death of Lord Buddha, Arahat Mahinda came to Mihintale to introduce Buddhism to Sri Lanka. King Devanampiyatissa was the king of Anuradhapura.
On a full moon day when the king was out hunting, chasing a deer at Mihintale rock, he heard the words of Arahat Mahinda, “Tissa! Tissa! Come to me”. He was shocked and shouted, “Who dared to call me by my name”. “We are disciples of Lord Buddha,” Arahat Mahinda replied calmly.
The King was pleased by the words of Arahat Mahinda.
Arahat Mahinda wanted to test the king if he was wise enough to
understand Lord Buddha’s Dhamma. He asked some intellectual questions and the king answered very wisely. The king and his group dropped their arms down and sat to listen to the “bana” Mahinda Thero preached them. Upon listening, all of them embraced Buddhism and surrendered to the Triple Gem.
This year we celebrate the 2318th Poson festival on June 15 Poya day. King Devanampiyatissa was the first Buddhist king of Sri Lanka.
A visit to Pigeon Island
By Zainab Fareed (Grade 8),
Badi-ud-din Mahmud Girls’ College, Kandy
We began our journey at about 5 a.m., and reached Trincomalee at about 12.30 p.m. After lunch at the guesthouse, we went to Nilaweli beach, had fun and returned in the evening.
Next day after breakfast, we went to Nilaweli beach again and arranged the boats to Pigeon Island. We wore our life-vests provided by the boatman and got inside the boat. At first we
were scared but then it was fun. It took about
30 minutes to reach the island.
Pigeon Island is Sri Lanka’s only coastal island to be declared as a national park. It is the
17th national park under the Wild Life Conservation Department.
We were surprised to see the white sand and crystal clear water and the ornamental fishes in the natural habitat. The snake-like electric eels are wonderful to watch. We played for some time.
Then we climbed to the peak through bushes and trees and mangroves. From the peak of the island, we saw the vast Indian Ocean where small boats were floating on the water and the flying pigeons.
After several hours we returned to the boats. As the boat moved forward, behind the boat, a beautiful pattern was made in the water showing the path of the boat, which soon disappears.
My ambition in life
By Udeshika Sandamali (13 years),
Kandawala M.V.
My ambition is to be a teacher. It is also very respectable. It is a great job. Compared to other jobs teaching provides a service to society. It is a lucky job because you earn money
and have a school holiday.
A teacher helps pupils to go on the correct path.
A dedicated teacher is a valuable asset to the
country. A teacher can impart his knowledge.
I am a student in the ninth standard and my ambition is to be a teacher. By becoming a teacher,
I shall be of service to the students. I shall go to the villages and teach them free.
The poor children cannot pay money for their lessons. I do not want wealth or power.
I am working hard to pass my exams, enter the university or the Teacher Training College and achieve my goal.
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