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"We cherish our children as the major national asset we possess, to build a land of harmony, prosperity and lasting peace. In turn, we must guide the children to guard and manage our water resource, to ensure a healthy and wholesome environment for them to grow up in," said Gamini Jayawickrema Perera, Minister of Irrigation and Water Management at the ceremony to distribute prizes to the winners in the all-Island Children's Art Competition, conducted by the Mahaweli Centre, on a concept provided by Minister Jayawickrema Perera.

The theme of the Art Competition was "Water is the essence of Life - it is the legacy of the Future Generations". The Minister said: "Our children have inherited a tremendous water culture dating back to more than twenty-centuries. Children of this generation are the proud inheritors of that noble tradition. We must train them to utilise this heritage for the benefit, not only of this generation but also for generations to come."

One thousand seven hundred children from all parts of the country participated in this prize-distribution ceremony. All the participants received prizes and certificates of participation, making this a unique event. The first place in the First Group was won by Nirosha Lakmali Ratnayaka, Grade One, Yatiyantota Siriwardene Maha Vidyalaya. First place in the Second Group was awarded to W. A. Narmada Nadishani Wickremasinghe of the Third Year at Eheliyagoda Central College. The first place in the Third Group was won by M. Sadeepa Priyadarshani Gunasekera of Year Nine of Mawathagama Central College. W. Rijitha Erandathi Fernando of Year 12, at Nimala Maria Girls' School, Tudella, Ja-Ela, was adjudged the First in the Fourth Group. All together more than two thousand participated in this ceremony.

A special highlight of the occasion was the free discussion the Minister initiated with the children who took part in this ceremony. This question-and-answer session elicited high enthusiasm from the children, who pledged to cherish water as their treasures.

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