Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya underscored the importance of ensuring that every Sri Lankan citizen can access essential public services in their mother tongue and sign language, aligning with the Government’s policy vision of “A Prosperous Country – A Beautiful Life.”
She made these remarks at the closing ceremony of National Languages Week, themed “Path to Reconciliation,”held on Monday (July 7) at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute, organised by the Justice and National Integration Ministry.
The National Languages Week, observed from July 1 to July 7 under the theme “Talk Together – Live Together,”aimed to promote linguistic harmony, mutual respect, and national unity. The final event was attended by Justice and National Integration Minister Harshana Nanayakkara, as well as officials, diplomats, and students.
In her address, Prime Minister Amarasuriya said:
“Language is not just a tool for communication but a symbol of identity and dignity. National language policies must go beyond rhetoric and ensure that courts, police stations, hospitals, schools, and public offices are inclusive environments where all citizens can express themselves and receive services in the language they are most comfortable in.”
She stressed that failing to provide such access could make people feel excluded or marginalised, turning a service delivery issue into a deeper societal concern.
“Creating schools where Sinhala and Tamil students learn each other’s languages, hospitals where patients are treated respectfully in their own language, and a justice system accessible to all – these are not luxuries, but necessities in a truly reconciled and harmonious society.”
The Prime Minister also announced that the 2026 education reforms will focus on the integration of all national languages into mainstream education, treating language learning as a core value, not merely an academic subject.
Justice and National Integration Minister Harshana Nanayakkara, in his remarks, emphasised unity:
“While we may have come from different pasts, we all share a common future. Let us build a Sri Lanka grounded in genuine reconciliation and unity.”
At the event, the Prime Minister awarded certificates to schoolchildren who won essay competitions and to individuals who passed the National Language Proficiency Examinations, organised by the Official Languages Commission and the Official Languages Department.
Dignitaries present included the High Commissioners of Canada and Bangladesh, Deputy Minister Muneer Mulaffar, Justice Ministry Secretary PC Ayesha Jinadasa, and Prime Minister’s Secretary Pradeep Saputhanthri, among others.
