Simultaneous sign language translations for news telecasts

Irangika RANGE

Arrangements will be made for television stations to have simultaneous sign language translations at least for news telecasts. All government and private institutions should have a sign language translator for the hearing impaired, Social Services Minister Felix Perera said.

"We believe that promoting sign language will help people who are hearing impaired to easily communicate with the society," he said. "That is why the government decided to establish sign language as a recognized language in the country."

A Cabinet paper submitted by Minister Perera in this regard received the Cabinet's unanimous approval recently. The minister said public officials will also be encouraged to learn the sign language.