Butterfly Carnival - a wonderland for children

BY RAJMI Manatunga

THE grounds of the Sirimavo Bandaranaike International Hall, Colombo, truly resembled a butterfly paradise yesterday with children from all parts of the country flocking there to enjoy the final day of the 'Celebrating Childhood' children's exhibition and butterfly carnival.

Little ones riding on merry-go-rounds, giant wheels, horse driven carts and taking part in singing and dancing was a delightful sight to any beholder. Parents who had accompanied their children to the event also seemed to have taken some time off to join the carefree world of their children.

The exhibition had been organised by the Information and Media Ministry for the second time to mark the International Children's Day.

The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Limited was the print media sponsor. The theme of this year's event was 'We are the Future'.

On a giant stage in front of the Sirimavo Bandaranaike Memorial Hall, schoolchildren were singing and dancing to their favourite tunes which the youngsters watched seated on their fathers' shoulders.

Children and parents expressed delight about the event which gave all children a chance to celebrate the Children's Day in a memorable and meaningful way. Apart from the entertainment, the event also offered a valuable opportunity for children to improve their skills and knowledge of the world.

A large number of children were eagerly studying giant telescopes at the Arthur C. Clarke Centre stall and watching the stamps exhibition of the Postal Department.

The exhibition stalls of the Central Bank, National Museum, Information Department, the Armed Forces, Lake House, Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation (SLRC), ITN, Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation and Lakhanda were also major attractions.

The participation of children in all tasks of the exhibition from singing, dancing to announcing and compering was a significant feature of the event.

SLRC, Sri Lanka Ports Authority, State Printing Corporation, Government Press, Development Lotteries Board, State Mortgage and Investment Bank, National Savings Bank, People's Bank, Mobitel, Elephant House and Sri Lanka Telecom were the other sponsors of the event.