Australian High Commission
Colombo
MEDIA RELEASE
25 July 2007
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY
ESSAY COMPETITION
The Australian High Commission Colombo organised an essay competition to mark International Women’s Day on 8 March 2007.
The competition was open to all students in the junior (12-15 years) and senior (16-19 years) age group categories. Entries from around Sri Lanka were submitted in Sinhalese, Tamil and English on the topic of “Women as Community Builders in Sri Lanka”. The winners were presented with certificates and books by the Australian High Commissioner, Dr Greg French, on 24 July at an event at the Australian High Commission attended by the winners and their parents.
In presenting the prizes, Dr French congratulated the children and their parents. Dr French said that the examples used in the essays showed the valuable contribution women make to Sri Lankan society. The prize winners in each category are as follows:
Junior (12-15 years)
1st Place: Chathurika Gooneratne (Visakha Vidyalaya, Colombo)
Chathurika wrote an essay using historical and modern day examples of remarkable women who have contributed to their communities. Chathurika concluded the essay by looking at the role of her mother and her own hopes to be a good wife, friend, neighbour, and a powerful voice in society.
2nd Place: Ramishka Thilakaratne (Ladies’ College, Colombo)
Ramishka wrote about her aunt who chose to teach disadvantaged children in Anuradhapura.
2nd Place: Rushda Anverdeen (Amina Girl’s National School, Matale)
Rushda described her mother’s struggle to study and become a doctor under difficult circumstances.
3rd Place: Lashan Karunaharan (St Thomas College, Mt Lavinia)
Lashan wrote an essay about the evolving role of women over their lifetime, as daughters, wives, and mothers.
Senior (16-19 years)
1st Place: D.D. Thilini Nisansala (Gnanodaya Maha Vidyalaya, Kalutara)
Thilini wrote an essay about her school’s science teacher, Mrs U. L. L. Vineetha Pushpalatha, who had inspired her by her courage and commitment to teaching, including extra-curricular activites such science fairs around the country.
2nd Place: G. Tikiri Pramodi (Gnanodaya Maha Vidyalaya, Kalutara)
Pramodhi also wrote about her school’s science teacher, Mrs U. L. L. Vineetha Pushpalatha, who had inspired her in her studies.
3rd Place: Rizka Ruwaiz (AQL International Girls School, Kandy)
Rizka wrote about her aunt Mrs Sarah Abel who overcame difficult circumstances to become a successful tailor and contributor to the community.