Minister praises services rendered by RESCs

Wehelle Piyathilake Maharagama Special corr.

Social harmony through a second language is a highly topical issue today. It is even mentioned in the “Mahinda Chinthana” programme, a vision for Sri Lanka, which is to have better understanding among communities through improved communication by greater use of the English language, said Education Minister Susil Premajayantha.

The Minister was addressing the 10th Annual Conference of Regional English Support Centres (RESC) at the Meepe Campus of the National Institute of Education.

Minister Premajayantha said he was made to understand that this three day conference (workshop) provides a forum for RESC staff serving in 32 RESC Centres islandwide to exchange ideas and experiences and praised the dedicated services provided by the RESC.

Director of the Department of English, NIE, M. Attugoda said in keeping with the theme it is directed towards making English as a tool to bridge the communication gap that exists in a multi-ethnic community.

The role played by a universal language in creating a harmonious special environment is priceless.

He said RESC’s have a very important role to play in this respect and have created the conducive environment for multilingualism and bilingualism.

The Ministry has decided to give additional support by establishing four residential RESCs and to improve the infrastructure of the existing centres.

In recognition of the services provided by RESC’s and seeing the potential for the future.

“I am confident that you will continue to provide an excellent service for the development of English Language teaching skills in Sri Lanka,” he said.

Social Harmony through a second language was the theme of this conference.