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Sunday
May 23, 2021
TIMES
Wish you all a
peaceful Vesak!
story
page 4
landmarks
page 5
pages 6 - 7
follow us on
Lanterns for Vesak Pic. by Indika Handuwala www.fundaytimes.lk
2 TIMES
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TIMES
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from Topic: Celebrating Vesak at home Topic: The significance of Vesak
Win: The Find-Outers – Stardust Stables – Free Spirit
Age: 9 years and below Mystery of Tally-Ho Cottage Win: by Sable Hamilton
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Word Count: 150 Happy-go-lucky Kellie
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Topic: The Vesak Festival of Tally-Ho Cottage have her horse Dylan, are hired
disappeared along with to work on a new movie.
Big-Eyes the Enchanter a priceless painting, but She looks just like the
Win: by Enid Blyton lead actress Jemma Scott,
they left behind their
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a wicked spell made of Find-Outers to discover what’s really But when Jemma falls
moonshine, starlight, going on… ill, the entire shoot is at risk unless
the roots of mountains Kellie can step into her shoes...
and much more,
but when he misses his Write at the top of your Essay
chance and messes up nBook Competition nEssay Topic
the magic, he gets his TIMES
comeuppance for his evil plotting
With extra tales from Jinky the
Book Competition
jumping frog, the naughty sailor 9 years and below 10 – 12 years 13 – 15 years
doll and cheeky Trit-Trot the pony, My favourite place in Sri Lanka The second term at school Your thoughts on Press Freedom
Aaisha Ashroff Sachini Ayodhya
there’s plenty of fun and frolic to be Ilma Int. Girls’ School
Hana Yusuf
Ladies’ College, Colombo Ashoka College, Horana
had.
May 23, 2021
TIMES 3
May 18
News in Pictures
Washington, D.C.,
Gaza City, USA
Gaza Strip A robin eats a
Palestinian newly-emerged
children who brood X periodical
fled their homes cicada. Trillions of
due to Israeli air brood X cicadas
and artillery strikes are emerging in
take refuge at a the mid-Atlantic
United Nations-run region of the USA.
school.
Fnideq, Morocco
Spanish security forces
launch tear-gas canisters
across a border fence as
Moroccan migrants rally
in the northern town of
Fnideq in an attempt to
cross into Spain’s North
African enclave of Ceuta.
At least 5,000 migrants
slipped into Ceuta on
May 17, a record for
a single day, Spanish
authorities said. Paris, France
A make-up artist applies the finishing touches
to the wax statue of President Biden as it is
unveiled at the Musée Grévin.
May 17
Bangkok, Thailand
People eat lunch seated
individually in the food court
at a city office building.
Bangkok has eased COVID-19
dining restrictions from
take-aways only, to now
allowing one patron per table
of four, spaced according to
social distancing guidelines.
Gaza Strip, Palestine
A streak of light appears as Israel’s Iron Dome
anti-missile system intercepts rockets launched from Nanning, China
the Gaza Strip. Israeli warplanes bombarded Gaza A beautiful rainbow
overnight, said witnesses in the Palestinian enclave, over the ASEAN
from where armed groups have launched rockets into business district
the Jewish state. after heavy rain
in the city.
San Anselmo, California, USA
A honeybee pollinates a flower
on a lamb’s ear plant.
California’s governor, Gavin Newsom,
unveiled his ambitious budget proposal
that includes a record $11bn towards
environmental related causes including
funding to create a habitat for
Jiangsu Province, China threatened bees that play a vital role
Aerial photo shows the China Sihong Hongze Lake in pollinating the state’s crops.
International Dayuan Pond Fishing invitational
tournament in Suqian, Jiangsu Province.
Source : The Guardian
May 23, 2021
4 TIMES
The Vesak Project
By Manoshi de Silva "Let's stick to the basic
D
‘Atapattam’ shape," said Lasitha,
inuth lived in an remembering the simple lantern
apartment. There were which was easy to make.
a total of 25 houses, "Let's decide on a specific small
including his, in this block of size. That way it will be easier
flats. All of these houses had to make and won't cost much as
kids of different ages. Although well," said Dinuth.
there were certain limitations "But how can we tell everyone
in living in a flat, school about this? Remember, we can't
holidays and national holidays have any meetings," said Lasitha.
were always fun. The kids got "Let's call and tell two houses
together and organized things each and ask them to call another
and celebrated together. two houses. That way all the flats
But the situation was very will be covered in no time," said
different now. There were strict Dinuth and Lasitha agreed.
healthcare guidelines imposed. Since the kids in the flat
Everyone had to wash their hands couldn't do any group activity for a very
asked Lasitha walking away looking sad.
at the entrance and wear facemasks. long time, they all loved this idea. As
Dinuth went home and looked at the
The children were not allowed to play it was a simple and inexpensive thing,
calendar. It was a week before Vesak.
together or visit each other's houses. even the parents didn't have anything
"What can we do without gathering
People kept away from each other and against it. So during that week the word
or working together?" he wondered.
did things separately with their own was spread and the kids in the flats made
Making a big lantern or Pandal was
families. one small lantern each, according to the
out of the question. Even organizing a
The Vesak celebration was coming given size and colour.
Dansala was not possible. Dinuth sat by
soon. Dinuth remembered how the flat Each house in the flats looked
the window and kept on thinking for a
housing kids got together and made a identical from the outside. So when the
very long time.
huge lantern and even a small Pandal lanterns were hanged in the balconies
Finally Dinuth came up with an idea
a few of times, on the small common of each house, it looked very neat and
which he liked very much.
front lawn. They even collected money organized. By evening, all the houses lit
He gave a call to Lasitha immediately.
and held a Dansala on one occasion. their lanterns. The rows representing
"I know how all the kids in the flat can
But now they were not allowed to the colours of the Buddhist flag
get together and celebrate Vesak this
gather and work closely like they did illuminated and lighted up all the flats.
time!" he said in excitement.
before. Last year also there were no And just as Dinuth predicted the building
Lasitha sighed, "Dinuth, we can't
decorations or lanterns at all, except looked like a Buddhist flag when seen
get together, you know that."
for a few strands of coloured bulbs hung from the road outside.
"That's true," agreed Dinuth,
by a few houses and a big Buddhist flag Everyone in the flats was happy,
"but we don't have to get together
at the entrance of the flats. especially the children. After having a
and work closely to do this."
Dinuth met his immediate neighbour quiet Vesak the previous year, the kids
"First you say we can celebrate
Lasitha, as he was climbing down the didn't expect much this time as well.
together. Then you say that we don't do
stairs. They made sure to keep a proper But without breaking any rules or health
it together!" Lasitha sounded confused.
distance between them and that their guidelines, they had managed to work
Dinuth laughed and explained his
facemasks were properly worn, before individually and bring about a beautiful
idea. "You know that there are five
stopping to talk with each other. result collectively.
floors of housing in our flats. And each
"I wish we could do something for Dinuth remembered the words said
row has five houses. What if each house
Vesak," said Dinuth. "Yes, it looks like by the Loku Hamuduruwo, when Dinuth
puts a lantern according to the colours
we won't be able to make our usual big had called to inform him about their
of the Buddhist flat, in front of their
lantern this year as well," sighed Lasitha. Vesak project and seek his blessings.
balconies? It would collectively look like
"No! Let's do something for Vesak!" Loku Hamuduruwo praised the children
a big Buddhist flag to the road!"
insisted Dinuth. and said that it was admirable how the
"That's brilliant!" said Lasitha in
"But we are not allowed to gather children had worked individually and
excitement. "The top floor should put a
or work together," reminded Lasitha, contributed to this group project.
row of blue lanterns, the next yellow
"there are over 30 kids in our flat "It's just like this, when each person
and so on!"
and that's a lot!" Dinuth nodded in becomes a good citizen individually,
"Exactly!" said Dinuth. "But how can
agreement. "But I am sure that we can it contributes to the whole society as a
we make the lanterns without getting
think of something to do," he said. whole, making it glow collectively as a
together? Not everyone is equally
"How can we do anything when we good community!"
talented.”
can't even get together to plan?"
mAY 23, 2021
TIMES 5
Located in Aurangabad, in the state of Maharashtra,
the Ajanta Caves are one of the oldest
UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India.
The carvings and paintings at Ajanta date back
to the beginning of the era of classical Indian art.
These caves are some of the most
mesmerizing ones in the country,
especially with paintings that take us
back in time all the way between the
2nd century BC and 6th century A.D.
History
The caves in Ajanta were discovered in 1819,
when Jon Smith, who belonged to the 28th Cavalry,
accidentally chanced upon the horse-shoe shaped
rock while hunting a tiger in and around the
Deccan Plateau region.
Interesting Facts
w It was soon found that there were approximately
30 caves in the cave complex out of which one part
Jon Smith of the complex was developed during the Satvahana
period and the other was done during the Vakataka
period.
w The caves are numbered in order from east to west. The caves 9, 10, 19,
26 and 29 were what are called “chaitya-grihas”, meaning prayer halls.
They were built in the first phase in the Satvahana dynasty. w Through his life, Lord Buddha
The rest of the caves were monasteries. was against the idea of sculpting
w The second period of construction was carried out during the rule of and painting images of him.
Emperor Harishena of the Vakataka dynasty. Close to 20 cave temples However, after Buddha’s death,
were simultaneously built which resemble the modern day monasteries his followers who wanted to worship
with a sanctum in the rear end of the structure. him, decided to paint his images so
that they had something to hold on to
w It is believed that several
while spreading the faith and teach-
Buddhist monks spent a
ings of the Buddha.
significant amount of time
at the Ajanta caves during w At the entrance of the first
the monsoons as they of Ajanta caves, stands a tall
were forbidden from image of the Buddha.
travelling during that The doorway to the cave is
particular period of the decorated with auspicious
year. This was the time motifs.Though the caves are
when the monks put their over 2,000 years old, the
creativity and time to use Buddha statues had
and painted the walls of been added close to
the caves. 600 years later.
w These caves are full of beautiful art, in the form of sculptures and paintings. Sources: Mocomi.com & India.com
All the paintings depict the life and times of the great Gautama Buddha,
the monk prince who undertook a journey to spread the wisdom of Famous Landmarks Famous Landmarks
Buddhism in the world. They also speak of tales from the Jataka.
Quiz - 26 Quiz - 25
w Apart from the stunning paintings and sculptures, there were also huge
Buddhist mounds like stupas built, massive pillars, intricately detailed
Q: What do the paintings
in the Ajanta Caves depict?
carvings on the ceilings and walls made big news, giving the Ajanta caves 4Esther John,
the status of a heritage site.
Wellawatte
May 23, 2021
6 Kids’ World TIMES
Birth of
My cat Please remember that articles, Prince Siddhartha Gauthama
Note
poems and paintings sent,
My cat’s name will not be published unless they
are certified as your own work by
is Whiskers. She is a parent or teacher. Also please
a playful cat. She is mention the topic, your full name, date of birth
sometimes good but and address in your entry. Articles should not
sometimes bad. exceed 200 words.
Art should be on A4 size paper. Remember to
Whiskers colours are black, yellow write the date that you send your entries.
and cream. I play with her a lot.
She runs everywhere in the house.
She goes to the street and comes
back. She loves to eat cat food.
My principal
Esandu Welagedara (8 years)
I love my cat and she loves me too. My school is Methodist College, Lyceum Int. School, Nugegoda
Ranuja Horadagoda (Grade 3) My school principal’s name is
S. Thomas’ Preparatory School, Ms. Hiranya Fernando. Her office is My favourite
Colombo 3 in the upper school. She is a past pupil of
our school. Now she is the principal of our
storybook character
school.
She is very beautiful and majestic.
She has a beautiful smile and beautiful
Mother Nature hair. She has a lot of work to do at school.
She comes to our classes. She advises us to
Everywhere I look, I see you be proud Methodists.
You follow me to the end of the world
You are the most beautiful thing Senuri Gunawardana (Grade 2)
I’ve ever seen Methodist College, Colombo 3
Your beauty can turn into great danger
I am a creation of you
I respect you the most Myself
You’re a person that everyone loves Kaysey Kolonne (11 years)
No matter where I am, My name is Zaina Fazlim. I am Musaeus College, Colombo
I know I am never alone seven years old. I live in Mount Lavinia.
I go to Muslim Ladies’ College. I am in
No matter how many people Grade Three.
try to hurt you I have an elder sister and she is
Lankan paradise
You are stronger than anybody nine years old. I love to draw and
You can stand up against a whole army colour. My favourite colour is pink.
We all are creations of you I love myself.
You’re an amazing view Zaina Fazlim (7 years)
from a mountain top Muslim Ladies’ College, Colombo 4
You’re a calm river flowing downhill
You’re tall trees in the woods
This is your beauty
My country
The bloom of beautiful flowers Sandul Kulasekera (14 years)
My country is Sri Lanka. It’s called Royal College, Colombo
in the season of spring
the ‘Pearl of the Indian Ocean’. It is an
The hot shiny sun, up in the sky
island. It is a very beautiful country.
for summer
Many tourists come to Sri Lanka to visit A moonlit night
The countryside ablaze with colour
the beauty of Sri Lanka. My country is
in autumn
small but it is a popular country.
Winter brings in Christmas hopes
There are many rivers, mountains,
Mother Nature you are forests and waterfalls in my country.
an astonishingly incredible gift… Sinhalese, Tamils, Muslims, Malays and
Burghers live in my country. There are
Risandi Rajapaksha (13 years)
many ancient and historical places in
Lyceum Int. School, Nugegoda
Sri Lanka. I love my country.
Senuk Fernando (Grade 6)
D. S. Senanayake College, Colombo
Eshalie Buvanija (6 years)
Visakha Vidyalaya, Colombo
May 23, 2021
TIMES 7
Celebrating Vesak
Myself
My name is Sathini Sahansa. I am
eight years old. My school is Holy Family
Convent. I live in Wennappuwa.
My pet is a dog. My hobby is painting.
I like to eat rice. I like to drink milk.
One day I want to be a doctor.
Sathini Sahansa (Grade 3)
Holy Family Convent, Wennappuwa
Nithya Perera (14 years)
Holy Family B. M. V., Wennappuwa Vesak
The biggest miracle in this world is before dawn for the ceremonial and
Forest the birth of Lord Buddha. I’m sure you honourable hoisting of the Buddhist
all know of the Vesak Full Moon Poya Day. flag and the singing of hymns in praise
On Vesak Poya, the moon is at its nicest. of the holy Triple Gem : The Buddha, the
So why do we celebrate Vesak? It is a Dharma (his teachings) and the Sangha
very special celebration of Buddhists. (his disciples).
In the East Asian tradition, a celebration Devotees may bring simple offerings
of Buddha’s birthday typically occurs of flowers, candles and joss sticks to
around the traditional timing of Vesak. place at the feet of their teacher.
The Buddha’s awakening and death are These symbolic offerings are to remind
celebrated as separate holidays that occur followers that just as the beautiful
at other times in the calendar as Bodhi Day flowers would wither away after a short
Senuji Sooriyakumar (Grade 5) and Nirvana Day. while and the candles and joss-sticks
Royal Int. School, Kandy We celebrate the Birth of Prince would soon burn out, so too is life subject
Siddhartha, Prince Siddhartha becoming to decay and destruction.
Lord Buddha and attaining Nirvana. Devotees are expected to listen to
My house This Vesak Poya is on May 26 and 27. talks given by monks. On this day, monks
It is a very amazing celebration. We make will recite verses uttered by the Buddha
Vesak lanterns and decorate our houses 25 centuries ago, to invoke peace and
with different lights so the Vesak night happiness for the government and the
becomes really beautiful. We also used to people. Buddhists are reminded to live in
light up some lamps during Vesak night harmony with people of other faiths and
too. to respect the beliefs of other people as
On Vesak Day, devout Buddhists and the Buddha had taught.
followers alike are expected and requested
Dehansa Kulathunga (11 years)
to assemble in their various temples
St. Thomas’ Girls’ School, Matale
Gawri Madhushika (6 years)
Royal Int. School, Kegalle
A person I’d like to meet
Say you told me I can meet whoever Before I began reading that column,
Vesak Festival with COVID-19 I want, but only one individual. Who do I didn’t care about the name. But once
you think it would be? A celebrity? you read those articles – if you can
Well, no; I’d like to meet the Editor understand the formal language, which
of a certain newspaper, namely the I at first found difficult – you begin
Sunday Times. understand that the writer is not just
With newspapers, I have two habits: anybody; it is somebody who has insight,
read the week’s paper that same week, experience and yet is an ordinary
without delay; notice the byline (which Sri Lankan!
says who wrote the article) of the article I want to meet this Editor to learn how
I read. he writes such lengthy articles with such
In the Sunday Times the Editor usually depth, to know how he manages to read
writes only the Editorial and the Political so many sources in one week, to know
Commentary that divides the two middle who he is! To me, it’s as big a mystery
pages of the main section. It always comes as a mystery could be!
with the byline ‘By Our Political Editor’ –
Ifadha Deen (15 years)
Sandil Nethusha (8 years) not a name, unlike the usual.
Sussex College, Kuliyapitiya
Leeds Int. School, Galle
may 23, 2021
8 TIMES
Tomahawk Q uiz
No.183
Questions for the Tomahawk Quiz No. 183
are based on articles appearing in the
Funday Times of April 4, 11, 18 and 25, 2021.
All you have to do is to find the answers to the
questions given. Write the answers neatly on a
postcard. Cut the strip ‘Tomahawk Quiz No. 183’ seen
at the top of this page and paste it on your postcard.
Please get your entries certified as your own work
by a teacher or parent.
Two lucky winners
will receive brand new
Tomahawk Mountain Bikes
with the compliments of
Tomahawk Bicycle Mall Questions n Quiz No. 183
All Funday Times readers between 8 – 15 years 1. Where is the Sistine Chapel located and what is it famous for?
are eligible to participate. 2. Name a popular game played during Easter.
(Those who have already won a bicycle 3. The 250th Birth Anniversary of Beethoven was commemorated
are not eligible to participate.) with a sculpture exhibition. Where was this exhibition held?
4. Who is Charlie Chaplin and what was he famous for?
Closing Date: May 31, 2021
5. What do triangle shaped traffic signs mean?
Or fundaytimes1@gmail.com
TIMES
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