Bookmarks to help Lankan students go to school

Two Newcastle girls are hoping their bookmarks will help Sri Lankan students hit the books. Emma Ward, 10, and her sister, Siobhan, 7, have been hard at work, beading bookmarks, which will sell for $2 each. They will be sold at a number of Newcastle stores, as well as at St. Francis of Assisi, the girls’ school.

This is the third time the girls have come to the aid of children in Sri Lanka. Two years ago, Emma began her campaign, selling bracelets she had made, eventually raising $1,600. The money was used to buy the uniforms Sri Lankan children are required by law to wear to school. Not having uniforms prohibits children there from attending classes.

Once again last year, Emma, with help from her younger sister, made and sold the bracelets, raising funds for backpacks, school supplies, and even shoes for children.

Family friend Benedict Gomez, born in Sri Lanka, visits the country twice annually to do mission work and was able to ensure the money and supplies get to the right people. He will return to his native home next month. Last year, almost $1,500 was raised, helping 250 children. The goal is similar this year, as the girls make the move to bookmarks.

“My goal is to send 250 kids to school, although I know the need is much greater,” said Emma.

The effort makes Emma feel positive both about herself and the community, she said.

“I felt really good about myself, that my family and sister had helped me and all these people (bought the bracelets) because they cared, too,” she said.

OSC’s Walk for the World...Walk for the Wetlands

The Overseas School of Colombo will hold its Yearly Walk for the Wetlands fund raising drive on January 27.

This is an annual tradition organised by the school and the active parent community (through the Parent Teacher Association) for the last 15 years.

In recent years, the focus has been on wetlands conservation with special emphasis on the nearby Talangama Wetlands. This ancient tank is host to an impressive number of birds, animal and plant species and plays a crucial role in the hydrology of the area.

It is under threat from nearby construction and contamination from garbage. This year OSC is taking a global approach linking the fragile state of wetlands to the problem of climate change. The theme of this year’s walk is “Walk for the World...Walk for the Wetlands.”

The walk is designed to raise awareness about and funds for the protection and conservation of Sri Lanka’s wetland ecosystems. A number of corporate sponsors as well as individual donations from walkers helps make this a successful way to raise funds.

Last year about Rs. 200,000 was raised for this cause. The Overseas School of Colombo has a long relationship with the Field Ornithology Group of Sri Lanka. The funds have allowed FOGS to produce publications (books, posters etc.) and conduct educational campaigns in the Talangama area.

The school community has also been able to support conservation activities by the Galle Naturalists Society at their site Hiyare reservoir.

Dance little lady, dance

Chamari Kudabalage, of Hillwood College, Kandy will perform a one woman show of oriental dancing at the Hindu Centre on January 22 at 3.30 p.m.

Chamari with a hearing impediment from birth will persent eight items, with varied dance forms and movements, six of which are solos. She has been trained by Rukma Batuwita.

She represented Sri Lanka in swimming at the 2006 and 2007 SAF Games and won places. She is also a world ranker by winning fourth place at the 2007 World Deaf Swimming Championship in Thailand.

She is the daughter of Piyadasa Kudabalage and Khema Kudabalage of Tennekumbura, Kandy.

My Best Friend

The summer we met how could I have known
I saw you that first time standing alone
I was new to the crowd and a little bit scared
I needed a friend who really cared
I never thought it would be you who’d come when I was down
I always felt if my life flooded you’d just let me drown
I don’t know how it happened,
You were suddenly my best friend
I sat and listened to you cry
Your broken heart I tried to mend
You are my best friend and I hate to see you cry
Just know you’re never on your own
I love you, my best friend

- summer cates

Maliyadeva teens excel in A/Ls

Francis Warnakualsooriya Pothuhera special correspondent

K.L. Jagath Jayaranga and B.M. Waruna Sanjeewa Balasooriya both 19-year-old students from Kurunegala Maliyadeva College have excelled in their GCE Advanced Level Examination in 2007 obtaining second and third island ranks in the maths stream and bio stream.

Jagath started his primary education from Maliyadeva College and passed his Grade 5 Scholarship with 143 marks while Waruna received his primary education from Kurunegala Wayamba Royal College and passed the Grade 5 Scholarship exam with 167 marks and entered Maliyadeva College.

“When I entered the GCE Advanced Level class I prepared a time frame for my future studies. I always used to work hard with my time frame. It helped me to got this position,” Jagath told Daily News.

Waruna pointed out that his victorious achievement started when he prepared short notes after going through pass question papers and did the regularly.

Through this method I was able to answer the question papers properly”, he added.

Jagath is a brilliant chess player and has been awarded several trophies at district and provincial levels. Waruna is a promising athlete and has participated in provincial level sports meets. Parents of both students are government servants living in Uyandana and Gopallawe area close to Kurunegala town.