In a historic move to promote Hindi education in Sri Lanka, the country’s first Certificate Course in Hindi through open and distance learning was launched yesterday. The inauguration coincided with the Bharat-Sri Lanka Hindi Sammelan, organized by the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre (SVCC), Colombo, as part of the 50th-anniversary celebrations of World Hindi Day.
This certificate course, a collaborative effort between the Open University of Sri Lanka and the SVCC, aims to make Hindi education accessible across the nation via the University’s Study Centers. The program addresses the rising demand for Hindi as a global language, marking a significant milestone in academic cooperation between India and Sri Lanka.
Inauguration Ceremony
The course was officially launched by:
- Santosh Jha, High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka
- Dr. Madhura Seneviratne, Deputy Minister of Education and Higher Education of Sri Lanka
- Prof. Kapila Seneviratne, Chairman of the University Grants Commission Sri Lanka
- Prof. P. M. C. Thilakarathne, Vice-Chancellor of the Open University of Sri Lanka
Speaking at the event, Deputy Minister Dr. Madhura Seneviratne highlighted Hindi as a “communication bridge”between the two nations. He also acknowledged the influence of Indian music and cinema in popularizing the language globally.
Bharat-Sri Lanka Hindi Sammelan
The Hindi Sammelan featured participation from over 400 scholars, educators, and students from India, Sri Lanka, and Nepal. Highlights included:
- Three plenary sessions with 25 distinguished speakers.
- A poetry recital celebrating Hindi’s cultural richness.
- Cultural performances reflecting shared heritage.
- An open forum discussing the role of Hindi in modern education.
The event concluded with the screening of the Bollywood movie English Vinglish, marking the finale of the Indian Film Fest 2025.
World Hindi Day and Hindi’s Growth in Sri Lanka
World Hindi Day, observed annually on January 10, celebrates the global recognition of Hindi, first spoken at the United Nations General Assembly in 1949. In Sri Lanka, Hindi is taught in 88 schools and nine public universities, underscoring its growing appeal.
The launch of the Hindi certificate course represents a significant step in fostering linguistic and cultural exchanges, strengthening ties between India and Sri Lanka while expanding educational opportunities for Sri Lankans.
