Nine Lankan children excel at drawing competition in Riyadh

by Sarath Malalasekera

Nine Sri Lankan students won Gold, Silver and Bronze medals at the Riyadh first International competition of children drawing in 2005, titled 'A World without weapon.'

The competition was organised by the Ministry of Education General Administration for Pupils activities, Riyadh. Twenty eight countries participated in the competition.

Two students from Visakha Vidyalaya Colombo, were among the medal winners. China, Japan, Thaiwan, Russia, Egypt, Germany and Syria also won medals at this competition. Sri Lankan gold medallists are Hiruni Kodituwakku of St. Mary's Convent, Kotuwegoda, Matara in Year three. Nilushi Dewapura of Visakha Vidyalaya, Colombo in Year 4 and Shalika Udari Kariyawasam Goonatilleke of Galahitiyawa Madhya Maha Vidyalaya, Ganemulla, in Year 11.

Two Silver Medal winners are V. Asanka of S.A. Suriyarachchi Maha Vidyalaya, Mahara in Year 9 and M.A. Sharon of St. Sebestian Balika Maha Vidyalaya, Ja-Ela in Year 11.

Dilshara Samaranayake of Visakha Vidyalaya, Colombo in Year 4, Ayisha Chirani Tennakoon of Mawathagama National School, Mawathagama in Year 11, Fathima Rifaza of Fathima College, Puttalam in Year 11 and M.R.L. Sumudu Subashini of Parakaramabahu National School, Polgahawela in Year 11 are the Bronze medallists. About 8,000 drawings throughout the world have been entertained to the compeition. Sri Lankan students have sent over 3500 drawings of different age groups.

All the winners of the competition were invited by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to attend the Award ceremony with their parents or guardians.

On the direction of Sri Lankan Ambassador in Saudi Arabia A.M.J. Sadiq a special ceremony was held at the Riyadh Embassy to felicitate these winners. Sri Lankans in Riyadh and the competition organisers also participated in this ceremony.

All the Sri Lankan winners were able to participate at the award ceremony due to the great effort of Sri Lankan envoy in Saudi. He has advised his First Secretary to inform all the students in Sri Lanka through the respective police stations in Sri Lanka, said Attorney-at- law A.C.Sudath Dewapura, father of Gold Medal winner Miss Nilushi Dewapura of Visakha Vidyalaya.