Language pluralism helps build peace - Canadian HC

Shirley WIJESINGHE

Promoting language pluralism is a decisive factor in Sri Lanka's longterm stability. A genuine commitment to give the Tamil language equal status in the administrative process of the state will help in building lasting peace and reconciliation, Canadian High Commissioner, Bruce Levy said.

He added that language is widely considered as being both a divider and unifier. Connections made through language are long-lasting and have ripple effects on culture and togetherness.

He was speaking at an event organized for the launch of three publications of the Official Language Commission held at Organization of Professionals yesterday.

"Canada and Sri Lanka are very different countries but we share with you the challenge of dealing generously with minority languages," he said.

Sri Lanka had been a one of the earliest recipients of the Canadian development assistance. In 2007, the Canadian International Development Agency contributed US$ 100,000 to OLC.

CIDA support was extended to conduct seminars, on the implementation of official language policy for Government officials and to train trainers to increase the pool of Tamil instructors and to train Government officials, he said.

He said that when the new projects proposed by OLC are implemented there will be significant changes within the public service such as progress key sectors and giving better public service to the minorities in the country.