Samm Pecht wins junior prize of Commonwealth Essay Competition

Twelve year old Samm Pecht secured junior prize for her essay ‘Oh, Crumbs’.

They were awarded on Thursday in London.

Surprise

Both the young winners expressed their suprise at getting to the top in the competition.

"It didnt sink into my head that I have won," Samm told BBC Sandeshaya.

Commenting on his success, Sharuka said, "I cant believe I am in London right now".

Fourteen year old

	Sharuka Wikramanayake runner up

The Royal Commonwealth Society (RCS) has been running international
creative competitions for young people for more than one hundred years.

For the very first time in 2010, these competitions were brought together as one exciting awards scheme, including writing, film and photography categories, the Royal Commonwealth Society said.

Themes

All three competitions took the theme ‘Science, technology and Society’.

The Commonwealth Essay Competition is the world’s oldest and largest youth writing competition attracting more than 50,000 entries fromaround the Commonwealth each year.

In 2010, for the first time in more than 25 years, the top prize was awarded to a UK-based entrant, Lars Gladhaug, whilst 12 year old Sri Lankan, Samm Pecht, triumphed in the Junior category, The Royal Commonwealth Society said.