News
Let us all strive to create a space where language does not create dividing, but rather a medium that unites all individuals from diverse backgrounds – PM
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya emphasized that following the policy statement “A Prosperous Country – A Beautiful Life”, national policies must be implemented in such a way that every citizen can access essential services in their respective mother tongues as well as in sign language.
The Prime Minister made these remarks while participating in the closing ceremony of the National Languages Week “Path to Reconciliation”, organized by the Ministry of Justice and National Integration, held at the Sri Lanka Foundation on Monday (07th of July).
The National Languages Week, held under the theme “Talk Together – Live Together”, commenced on 01st of July, marking the National Languages Day, and continued for seven days and the closing ceremony was held under the participation of the Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya and Minister of Justice and National Integration, Harsha Nanayakkar
The Prime Minister stated:
“National Languages Week is not just a time to focus on and acknowledge language policy but also it highlights the critical role of the language that fosters identity, respect, and in building a peaceful society that brings all people together.
If certain communities feel that they do not have the opportunity to communicate in their own language at crucial institutions like courts, police stations, schools, state institutions, or administrative offices, then this is not merely an issue of service delivery. In such circumstances, people may genuinely begin to feel that they are excluded. Therefore, it is essential to ensure equal linguistic rights and dignity for all ethnic groups.
Therefore, we must create schools where Sinhala and Tamil students can learn each other’s languages, hospitals where patients can express their symptoms in the language they feel most comfortable in and receive respectful care, and a justice system where citizens can seek justice in a language they understand.
These are not luxury privileges but fundamental conditions that should practically exist in a society rooted in harmony.
Accordingly, the new educational reforms beginning in 2026 will incorporate teaching methods that emphasize the importance of all languages in the country and highlight language as something beyond just a subject. That is why such reforms have been introduced.
Addressing the event, Minister of Justice and National Unity Harsha Nanayakkara said:
Even though we may not share the same past, we certainly share a common future that we can build together. On this National Languages Day, let us all commit ourselves to building a Sri Lanka that thrives on genuine reconciliation and vibrant unity.
At the closing ceremony of National Languages Week, awards and certificates were presented by the Prime Minister to the winners of the model essay competition held at school level by the Official Languages Commission, and to those who passed the National Language Proficiency Examinations conducted by the Department of Official Languages.
The event was attended by the High Commissioner of Canada to Sri Lanka, the High Commissioner of Bangladesh, Deputy Minister of National Integration Mr. Muneer Mulaffar, Secretary to the Prime Minister Pradeep Saputhanthri, Secretary to the Ministry of Justice and National Integration President’s Counsel Ayesha Jinadasa, along with other state and diplomatic officials, students, and the general public.
(Prime Minister’s Media Division)
The High Court has convicted 14 of the 24 men accused of being directly involved in the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings, which killed 279 people.
The three-judge bench read out its decision on Tuesday after a five-year trial and said sentencing would take place later, the AFP news agency reported.
The charges included murder and conspiracy to commit terrorism.
Nine others were acquitted, while another defendant was found guilty of only some of the charges, the court said.
[Aljazeera]
By Shamindra Ferdinando
The ruling NPP yesterday (21) dismissed claims of a widening rift, within the government, over the proposed 22nd Amendment. Asked whether the NPP was concerned over a section of the Opposition alleging Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya and two dozen MPs taking a view contrary to that of the party in this regard, authoritative party sources said some persons were propagating speculation for their own interest.
Declaring that there was absolutely no issue regarding the controversial Amendment, sources emphasised once it was tabled in Parliament, it would be passed with 2/3 majority.
Sources dismissed claims that out of its 159-member parliamentary group a section of NPPers was opposed to the government move. According to an influential Opposition activist, there are 57 JVPers and 66 NPPers in the government group and the rest contested the last parliamentary polls, having aligned with the JVP.
Ministerial sources told The Island that the government was confident of going ahead with the 22nd Amendment and Judicature (Amendment) Bills. Sources said that the NPP was not bothered about the Opposition protests in and outside Parliament.
Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickremaratne is expected to disclose the confidential ruling that he received from the Supreme Court in respect of more than 65 petitions for and against the 22nd Amendment and Judicial Amendment Bills. The enactment of the 22nd Amendment would pave the way for extending the retirement age of Supreme Court judges, from 65 to 67 years, and Court of Appeal judges, from 63 to 65 years.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has appointed Court of Appeal Judge Mayadunna Sri Mevan Anthony Edirimannasuriya Corea as the Acting President of the Court of Appeal.
The appointment has been made as President’s Counsel Nalin Rohantha Abeysuriya, who currently serves as President of the Court of Appeal, will be overseas until the 24th.
Accordingly Justice Mayadunna Corea was sworn in as Acting President of the Court of Appeal before President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Presidential secretariat last morning (21).
Secretary to the President Dr Nandika Sanath Kumanayake was also present at the occasion.
High Court convicts 14 over deadly Easter bombings
Mandhana, Shafali and Ghosh lead dominant India to Asian Games gold
Fatima Sana and Umm-e-Hani secure bronze for Pakistan in Asian Games
India bat first in Asian games womens cricket final
Showers about 100mm will occur in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central and North-western provinces and in Galle and Matara Districts
Govt. confident of 2/3 majority despite NPP split speculation
‘Dates have the highest sugar content to fight Coronavirus’
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