Language training for public servants

Around 1.2m to benefit:

Irangika RANGE

Newly appointed National Languages and Social Integration Minister S.B. Nawinna said a new program to teach Sinhala, Tamil and English to 1.2 million public servants will be initiated shortly.

He said measures will be taken to set up language training centers in each province with the assistance of Provincial Council Ministers. The Minister was addressing invitees and staff after assuming duties as National Languages and Social Integration Minister at the Ministry in Rajagiriya yesterday.

"Languages are linked with people's life which is directly under the Ministry. We would do the utmost to run the Ministry efficiently in keeping with the extended policy of the Mahinda Chinthana, he said.

Minister Nawinna said this program would benefit public servants to get their salary increments and promotions in the future.

He said language is an important entity of our life and culture. People's lifestyles, freedom and careers could depend upon it. In Sri Lanka, the public face various problems when they go to the local authorities and Government offices since these authorities communicate in Sinhala and English mostly. If this problem is not resolved soon , it will be a long wait and frustration for the Tamil speaking people.

"This problem arises when Sinhala speaking people go to local authorities and Government officers in the North and the East. That is why we decided to resolve this matter," he said.

Learning three languages is a socio-economic need while building bridges of friendship among three communities, the Minister said.