On December 23, 2022, the Korean Embassy and the National Institute of Education (NIE) hosted the completion ceremony of the online capacity-building program of the Korean language for the second time at the Hilton Hotel, Colombo.The Korean Embassy said in a news release that this ceremony was held in honour and appreciation of the 55 Lankan teachers who completed the online capacity-building program for the Korean language in this country.

Present on this occasion were Korean Ambassador Santhush Woonjin JEONG, Minister of Education Susil Premajayantha and the Director General of the National Institute of Education Dr. Sunil Nawaratne.

Welcoming the guests and academia, Nawaratne appreciated the Korean Embassy’s continuous support and endorsement of timely initiatives to expand Korean language education in Sri Lanka, the release said.He stated, “This program was initiated in July 2020 and has now completed its second year. Last year, 58 teachers received training under it to educate advanced level students in the Korean language. In 2022, 55 teachers completed this program with great success.

“As the Education Minister once said, the Korean language is a passport to employability. Currently, more than 25,000 Lankans are employed in Korea. I am sure the Korean language will be useful in enhancing future employability for Sri Lankans.”

He elaborated on ways this program would be helpful to facilitate the decision to incorporate the Korean language as a foreign language in advanced-level classes. Ambassador Santhush delivering his congratulatory remarks to the teachers, commended their consistent efforts and determination to surpass the difficulties this year.

“In celebration of the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and Sri Lanka this year, the Korean Embassy has made numerous efforts to consolidate bilateral ties especially in cultural and educational cooperation.

“In 2023, the Korean language will be introduced as a university entrance examination subject. That will be another opportunity to bring our two countries closer together. I congratulate all the Korean language teachers who have completed this program and appreciate their hard work and commitment amid many challenges like the limited supply of necessary infrastructure.

“Today, your dedication and hard work have culminated in producing wonderful results. Congratulations to all teachers who are graduating from this program. I am confident that this program helped develop your Korean language skills. I hope you contribute to a better world and a brighter future for Sri Lanka.”

Premajayantha stated that Korea-Sri Lanka ties have expanded steadily in numerous areas like labour, trade, renewable energy and education cooperation. He emphasized the support received from the Embassy of the Republic of Korea.