Language Rights – through the camera lens

Th e Vibhasha camera lens was able to capture with photographs, many 2013 December – January | Publication of C.P.A. || 2nd Volume 12th Issue instances in various government institutions in and in nearby places, showing how the languages policy of this country is violated Th e Vibhasha camera lens has shown continuously the need for the fi xing and maintaining street sign boards and other name boards Promoting the bilingual tradition according to language policy. During an inspection that we conducted at Bauddhaloka Mawatha, Colombo, at Town Hall, Colombo 13 and Th e signboard of this famous parking space that is controlled by the Hettiyawatte, these sign boards were captured, going against the offi cial at the Provincial Council level Colombo Municipal Council shows information only in English languages policy as shown below. An initiative from the Central and Northern P.C.s

Th ere is a fresh enthusiasm was the duty and responsibility implement a work programme in guidelines to implement a in the provincial councils these of Provincial Councils to order to do so. programme at Provincial Council days about the implementation implement the bilingual policy Central Province council level, to form a permanent of the bilingual policy. During in every division of the Central member Mr. M. Velu Kumar Committee to build national the special session that had been Province and to provide all approved this proposal. unity. held on the 11th November, at assistance and facilitation that is While there are many In order to gather the Central Provincial Councils, necessary for its implementation. problems concerning language information about this by Provincial Councilor, Mr. Provincial Councilor Mr. rights in the Central Province, telephone the eff ort to contact Sanjeewa Kavirathna, submitted Sanjeewa Kavirathna submitted the Minister stated his belief Mr. Shan Wijayalal, the Chief Th e signboard of the National Institute of Library and Information Similarly, the signboard of the Faculty of Management and a proposal giving attention to this proposal stating that special that solutions could be obtained Minister of the Southern Sciences of the University of Colombo is only in English. Finance is only in English the value of implementing the attention should be paid to by implementing this work Provincial Council had failed. bilingual method implement the bilingual policy programme. But it has been reported Th e Minister stated that it in the Central Province and to In February, a two day debate that the Ministry of National was fi xed. Languages and Social Integration Meanwhile the Southern had already sent guidelines to the Students who are Provincial Council also, Chief Minister of the Southern has recently appealed to the Provincial Council. receiving bilingual Ministry of National Language and Integration, to give them Sandamali Senevirathne education showing a high profi ciency

Th e sign board of the Faculty of Management and Science is only in Th e signboard of Faculty of Medicine University of Colombo and the passes with distinctions in English. School of Nursing Colombo are only in Sinhala and English. mathematics and science.

Th e Director of Education (Bilingual Education) Mr. Priyantha Nanayakkara states in a letter written to the web site of the Ministry of Education http://www.moe.gov.lk/web/images/stories/branchnews/ bilungual/bilinhu.pdf that students in who are receiving bilingual education have shown a high aggregate in complex imaginative subjects such as mathematics and science, as shown in the pass analysis of the 2008-2011 General Certifi cate of Education (Ordinary level) examinations, that they had faced. Th is letter further states that, although the experiments done in connection with the programme in bilingual education were very few, some idea about the bilingual literacy of the students of our country who a receiving a bilingual education can be obtained from the analysis of Th is photograph shows Mr. a highly acclaimed actor examination results presenting a trophy to the best actor, in the Tamil Only Division, I. Imash Ali Th e signboard of the Meteorological Department has weather Signboard of the Institute of Neurology Colombo is shown only in Th is letter, which includes complete results, is published in page 10 of information only in English. Sinhala a and English this Vibasha Publication. during the National Children’s Drama Festival that had been held in October.

Printed by: Globe Printing Works, No.5 Stork Place, Colombo 10. Tel: 0777315971 2 VibhashaVibhasha 20132013 DecemberDecember –– JanuaryJanuary training for new doctors to solve language problems in hospital.

From the end of December, Chairman of the Government He further stated that the different types of choices in arrangements have been made Medical Officers Association, residential training programme the treatment of the patients, to train new doctors passing Dr A. Padeniya. that is currently being which are also dealt with in this out from state universities “At present, there is a great implemented will continue programme. throughout , to problem about communication without a break until the end of “This programme is only converse in Tamil with their among the majority of doctors December. available for a selected number patients. in being unable to hold a “The first work programme of doctors. They will in turn The first batch of doctors conversation with their patients has been very successful and we teach the newly qualified had already obtained this in the Tamil Language. In hope that all doctors will speak doctors. In a few weeks’ time, residential training last week order to face this problem, the the second national language there will be a work programme, during a ten day training in assistance of the Department fluently by December,” he said. to train new doctors in Agalawatte. of Health, the National Parallel to training in Tamil enhancing the above talents in Sixty five newly qualified Languages Department, and the language, the Government every region, and by this, the doctors will be taking part in Government Medical Officers’ Medical Officers Association patient will receive a beneficial the next work programme. Association with the help of the deals with listening skills, protection and a better doctor/ “Our aim is to train more than World Health Organization has building trust with the patient, patient relationship will be 1000 doctors. In this way in commenced a Tamil Language communication skills and established,”said Dr. Padeniya. medical clinics throughout the training work programme enhancing the availability of island, doctors will be able to for newly qualified doctors communicate with their patients throughout the island,”stated Dr. in the Tamil Language,” says the Padeniya. Notices in the Kuruwita Prison are only in Sinhala.

North Attidiya and In Kuruwita Prison, Ratnapura all notices are in Sinhala. There are a lot of Tamil and Muslim visitors, mainly women and elders Colombo Language who come to visit prisoners coming from very far away and it takes about half day to come here and another 2 hours to get through the Societies more interested. entry procedures, and if you miss the times between 9-12 you have to stay till 2.30 and if you miss coming by 4pm you will be turned Languages Societies were established for the 541 GN Division of the back. Also you are not allowed to bring food; you have to buy it from Ratmalana Divisional Secretariat and the Attidiya North Division, on the 9th. this canteen which is put up by a prison official. The guards say you The officials who established the language societies told the Vibasha can’t bring food from outside. All this information is only in Sinhala Publication that, under the second step of establishing the languages societies, causing suffering to visitors who come from far away and dont know in the Colombo District, the establishment of languages societies is continuing. about this. Some people have to take back the food they bring and further and also said that people were showing a special interest in it. Mrs. some have to go back because they missed the closing time by a few Priyangika Thushari and Mrs. Sevvandi Perera of the Mt. Lavinia Divisional minutes. () Secretariat Office had organized a “Dharmarama Language Society,” recognizing the group of people in this region who had shown a special interest in learning the Tamil Language. Official Language Policy analysed. Meanwhile, Mr. Sameera Kalum had organized a “Sadisi Language Society” in Attidiya North. The Official Languages Commission has decided to implement the Official Languages Policy in manufacturing and service institutions. A lack of Tamil Language The Chairman of the Official Languages Commission Mr. Nimal R. Ranawaka stated that, under this, steps had been taken to notify Teachers for Pavakkulam the associations of the manufacturing sector including the Chamber of Commerce Tamil Vidyalaya. He stated that the goal of this workshop is that all information The students of Pavakkulam Track 7 Primary School in the Pavakkulam about all manufactured goods have to be published according to the Track 7 Village in the South Vavuniya DS area are facing great difficulties as Official Languages Policy. there is no teacher to teach them the Tamil Language. The Chairman of the Commission further stated that by the Mr. G.S. Gunasekera, the Principal of this Vidyalaya said that he had first week of November a work programme will commence by the notified the Zonal Education Office about inequalities prevailing among the Official Languages Commission about the Trilingual Policy,along teachers and the problems that are present among them, but no action had been with the Presidential Task Force. taken by the relevant officers yet. 2 VibhashaVibhasha 20132013 DecemberDecember –– JanuaryJanuary Vibhasha 2013 December – January 3

The best Thakshila Prathamika Tamil Language training for new doctors to solve children’s drama in Vidyalaya, Horana was the Sinhala Only chosen as the best child section, was from actress in the English language problems in hospital. the Vidyaratna category in the drama Education Faculty “Goldi And The Bears” From the end of December, Chairman of the Government He further stated that the different types of choices in of Horana, and Dulshani Amanda arrangements have been made Medical Officers Association, residential training programme the treatment of the patients, G.P. Subashana Wickramarachchi who to train new doctors passing Dr A. Padeniya. that is currently being which are also dealt with in this Kuruglalge’s “Parta performed in the drama out from state universities “At present, there is a great implemented will continue programme. Thunai, Ekama “Win With Windy” in the throughout the island, to problem about communication without a break until the end of “This programme is only Malai” drama, open English category, V. converse in Tamil with their among the majority of doctors December. available for a selected number and in the open Sathurthika who performed patients. in being unable to hold a “The first work programme of doctors. They will in turn section, from the in the drama “Peththamma” The first batch of doctors conversation with their patients has been very successful and we teach the newly qualified Subarathi Madya in the Tamil limited had already obtained this in the Tamil Language. In hope that all doctors will speak doctors. In a few weeks’ time, Maha Vidyalaya, category and K. Oviya who residential training last week order to face this problem, the the second national language there will be a work programme, K. Mithraratna performed in the drama during a ten day training in assistance of the Department fluently by December,” he said. to train new doctors in and Indika “Vaalvum Vaalvum,” in Agalawatte. of Health, the National enhancing the above talents in Language Diversity In the Parallel to training in Tamil Nilmini Sirisena the Tamil open category, Languages Department, and the every region, and by this, the Sixty five newly qualified language, the Government Arachchi’s “Kiri received the best actress doctors will be taking part in Government Medical Officers’ Medical Officers Association patient will receive a beneficial State Children’s Association with the help of the protection and a better doctor/ Pani Paalama,” awards in the state children’s the next work programme. deals with listening skills, children’s drama drama festival which had “Our aim is to train more than World Health Organization has building trust with the patient, patient relationship will be was also chosen as been held the 17th time. 1000 doctors. In this way in commenced a Tamil Language communication skills and established,”said Dr. Padeniya. Drama Festival should be the best children’s Meanwhile, R.M.M. medical clinics throughout the training work programme enhancing the availability of drama. Supipi Mediwela of island, doctors will be able to for newly qualified doctors appreciated. communicate with their patients throughout the island,”stated Dr. In the state Royal National School, in the Tamil Language,” says the Padeniya. Notices in the Kuruwita children’s festival, Moneragala, who performed ...and should be further continued. Sakina Jusar in the drama “Rankaasi Prison are only in Sinhala. of the Lyceum Wessa” in the Sinhala International limited category, and Anjana North Attidiya and In Kuruwita Prison, Ratnapura all notices are in Sinhala. There School, Wattala, was chosen Charithani Jayalatha who are a lot of Tamil and Muslim visitors, mainly women and elders The State Children’s This was an opportunity as the best actor in the performed in the children’s Colombo Language who come to visit prisoners coming from very far away and it takes Drama festival which had for about 53 dramas to be drama “Walas Gedera Giya about half day to come here and another 2 hours to get through the completed 17 years upto held in the final rounds, as limited English category. Mashas” in the Sinhala open Societies more interested. entry procedures, and if you miss the times between 9-12 you have 2013 was successfully held a large number of scripts in M.D.C. Hasanka who category, received honours. to stay till 2.30 and if you miss coming by 4pm you will be turned this year too. This year, 28 various languages medias performed in the drama “A Also this time, during Languages Societies were established for the 541 GN Division of the back. Also you are not allowed to bring food; you have to buy it from Sinhala dramas, 13 Tamil had been received by the Wonderful Gift For Bob” in the State Children’s Ratmalana Divisional Secretariat and the Attidiya North Division, on the 9th. this canteen which is put up by a prison official. The guards say you dramas and 12 English drama festival island wide. the open English category, I. Drama Festival, awards The officials who established the language societies told the Vibasha can’t bring food from outside. All this information is only in Sinhala dramas were staged. Among The honours given to the Imash Ali who performed in were presented for Best Publication that, under the second step of establishing the languages societies, causing suffering to visitors who come from far away and dont know these were four dramas best children’s dramas in the “Karannan Vittu Karadiyum in the Colombo District, the establishment of languages societies is continuing. Drama Script, Best Drama about this. Some people have to take back the food they bring and nominated by special limited section and the open (Rabbit)” in the limited further and also said that people were showing a special interest in it. Mrs. Production, Best Music some have to go back because they missed the closing time by a few invitation section were as follows. Tamil category, John Paul Priyangika Thushari and Mrs. Sevvandi Perera of the Mt. Lavinia Divisional Produced, Best Dialogue, minutes. (Ceylon Today) While 57 dramas had In the English Only Cluoos who performed in Secretariat Office had organized a “Dharmarama Language Society,” recognizing Best Costumes, Best Stage been staged, demonstrating category, from the Lyceum the Tamil Open category in the group of people in this region who had shown a special interest in learning Backdrop, Best Stage the Tamil Language. the hopes and expectations International School, “Sin Uththin Muyatchchi Official Language Policy analysed. Direction, and Best State of future generations in this Watsala Sudarshana (Lion)" received awards. Meanwhile, Mr. Sameera Kalum had organized a “Sadisi Language Society” Lighting in all categories. in Attidiya North. The Official Languages Commission has decided to implement country ; also hearteningly Bandara’s “We make it A. LakkanthaVibanga It has been generally the Official Languages Policy in manufacturing and service the extent of language better” drama and in Abeywickrama, from observed in the Drama institutions. diversity observed should be the open section the Vidyaratna Medical Facuilty, Festival, that although A lack of Tamil Language appreciated. best drama was Rohitha Horana, who performed The Chairman of the Official Languages Commission Mr. Nimal the level of variety in R. Ranawaka stated that, under this, steps had been taken to notify By performing children’s Jayakody’s “A Wonderful as “Loku Malli” in the the languages were Teachers for Pavakkulam the associations of the manufacturing sector including the Chamber dramas in Sinhala, Tamil Gift For Bob” drama. The children’s drama “Parta commendable, presentations of Commerce and English on the same best children’s drama in Thunai, Ekama Malai”in the Sinhala limited category and in the Tamil category should Tamil Vidyalaya. He stated that the goal of this workshop is that all information stage, the audience was the Tamil limited section Jeevantha Jayasinghe who be further strengthened. If The students of Pavakkulam Track 7 Primary School in the Pavakkulam about all manufactured goods have to be published according to the given an opportunity to was M.J.S. Amarasinghe’s attention could be paid to Track 7 Village in the South Vavuniya DS area are facing great difficulties as Official Languages Policy. see equally, the languages “Karannan VittuKaradiyum” performed as “Dhanu” in these facts in the future, there is no teacher to teach them the Tamil Language. and the cultural forms of and in the open section the children’s drama “Vatina The Chairman of the Commission further stated that by the this drama festival will be Mr. G.S. Gunasekera, the Principal of this Vidyalaya said that he had children’s dramas; this is a M. Kalidasa’s and Manisha Kenek Mung” also received first week of November a work programme will commence by the more fruitful socially and notified the Zonal Education Office about inequalities prevailing among the cultural programme that Dukgannaralage’s “Sin Uthin awards as best actors. Official Languages Commission about the Trilingual Policy,along culturally. teachers and the problems that are present among them, but no action had been with the Presidential Task Force. should be popularized and Muyatchchi,” drama was M.D.P. Samadhi taken by the relevant officers yet. promoted. chosen as the best drama. Wickramarathna from Sandamali Senevirathne 4 Vibhasha 2013 December – January

relocated to Geli Oya in particular those and worked at a teaching that women faced, in post at Zahira Vidyalaya connection with the in Gampola, until she magazine “Nee Pori retired. The literary Mangai”. life of Naima Siddik Naima Siddik was commenced during her honoured during the Up stay in Gelioya. Country literary festival During her stay in 1986 and in the Uva in Haputale, as she Province (her birthplace) was a reporter in in 1994 appreciating Information about the great the Chinthamani her literary and social writers who lit the lamp of Newspaper, she had services. friendship for facilitation of connections with Tamil Apart from this, great writers, was published newspapers. Renewing in the previous issue. she was also honoured Lighting lamps in these connections she in 2002, during the The appreciation this time is began writing short International Islamic of the writer Naima Siddik. appreciation of great stories and poems to Literary Festival. those newspapers. During the same year she authors. Her first novel was was honoured with the “Vaalaika Padangu.”Later Kala Booshana Gaurawa she published several honorary Title. Naima Siddik short story magazines. While being a Collected short stories dedicated mother to Among the 2013 entered the Passara who go to work. Later were published as three daughters, she facilitation of great Central Collage. Before Naima, who became “Vaalaika Suwadugal,” continued her literary writers was Naima beginning to write the Secretary of Abdul “Vaalaika Vannangal,” work even after retiring Siddik. Other than being she began with social Azis’s Democratic Estate and “Vaalaika from teaching. A a writer, she fulfilled services. Workers Congress, Veleyvugal.” veteran translator, devoted her time to great service as a teacher While being a She has an important Upali Leelarathna has solving the problems of and as an activist in student she opened place in the field of Tamil translated Naima’s the workers. During this Trade Unions. Naima a small school in a literature, as someone “Vaalaika Suwadugal,” time, she obtained a post Siddik who was born in building owned by focusing specially on the short story book into a as a teacher. That was to Haputale in the Badulla her father, who was a many problems that the Sinhala edition “Jeevana the Kahagolla Muslim District, had her primary businessman, and taught Muslim people face in Piya Satahan,” and College. education in the village children of poverty their lives. during the facilitation and was successful in the stricken estate labourers. While being in the festival it was launched. scholarship examination She wrote many teaching profession, she Kamal Perera after which she entered She also took steps letters and essays passed the Teaching Secretary, the Kathankudi Madya to establish a night about her race and Diploma examination. Sinhala Tamil Co Vidyalaya. Later, she school to teach people the many common After her marriage she social problems, and operative The National Association of Sri Lankan Writers expands

Steps have been taken to has already covered the The Minister of Culture required from the authors to strengthen the membership administrative districts of the and Arts, Mr. T.B. Ekanayake create a country which has a registry of the National island and had commenced stated recently at the Authors’ National Association of Sri Association of Sri Lankan establishing district Executive Committee that Lankan Writers. He said that Writers. level registration of the the National Association he greatly appreciates the organization. of Sri Lankan Writers was assistance that is already being According to this, authors going to be incorporated by a given by the generation of belonging to different ethnic The National Association Parliamentary Act. authors of this country. groups such as Sinhala, Tamil which was established by a and Muslim are already being Parliamentary Act, has begun The minister stated that An appeal is sent to formally included in a registry a number of long and short he had given instructions the authors who are living of names. term activities, including to the relevant officers to everywhere in this country the setting up of a Centre make a draft, for the act to let these facts be spread The National Association in the capital, to encourage and to present it to the legal by joining the National of Sri Lankan Writers which the progress of authors and department for approval, Association of Sri Lankan had been established recently, literature. and that a great assistance is writers. 4 Vibhasha 2013 December – January Vibhasha 2013 December – January 5 relocated to Geli Oya in particular those and worked at a teaching that women faced, in post at Zahira Vidyalaya connection with the National Trilingual Work Programme in Gampola, until she magazine “Nee Pori retired. The literary Mangai”. life of Naima Siddik Naima Siddik was and its implementation 4th Part commenced during her honoured during the Up stay in Gelioya. Country literary festival (From(From thethe previousprevious issue)issue) During her stay in 1986 and in the Uva in Haputale, as she Province (her birthplace) was a reporter in in 1994 appreciating Information about the great the Chinthamani her literary and social writers who lit the lamp of Newspaper, she had services. friendship for facilitation of connections with Tamil great writers, was published Apart from this, newspapers. Renewing she was also honoured in the previous issue. these connections she Lighting lamps in in 2002, during the the economic began writing short the economic The appreciation this time is International Islamic difficulties that of the writer Naima Siddik. appreciation of great stories and poems to Literary Festival. the middle those newspapers. the middle During the same year she classclass waswas authors. Her first novel was was honoured with the facing.facing. “Vaalaika Padangu.”Later Kala Booshana Gaurawa ItIt waswas she published several honorary Title. definitely not Naima Siddik short story magazines. primarily a conflict While being a from the grassroots, Collected short stories from the grassroots, dedicated mother to between the Sinhala were published as between the Sinhala Among the 2013 entered the Passara who go to work. Later three daughters, she and Tamil citizens. 2022? language away from the deep “Vaalaika Suwadugal,” and Tamil citizens. 2022? language away from the deep facilitation of great Central Collage. Before Naima, who became continued her literary Consider a statement Today the extent of the dangers of knowledge” (the “Vaalaika Vannangal,” Consider a statement writers was Naima beginning to write the Secretary of Abdul work even after retiring that a veteran educationalist Mr. knowledge of the English translationtranslation isis ours)ours) isis anotheranother and “Vaalaika that a veteran educationalist Mr. Siddik. Other than being she began with social Azis’s Democratic Estate from teaching. A J.R.J.R. JayasuriyaJayasuriya hashas mademade inin ourour Language among the general goalgoal ofof thethe implementationimplementation ofof thethe Veleyvugal.” population is limited to saying trilingual policy”. a writer, she fulfilled services. Workers Congress, veteran translator, “An“An exampleexample ofof conflictsconflicts countrycountry inin thethe 1950’s1950’s population is limited to saying trilingual policy”. “Good Morning” in the morning. We should “know” what great service as a teacher devoted her time to She has an important Upali Leelarathna has relatingrelating toto languageslanguages whichwhich ‘Generally,‘Generally, therethere isis nono “Good Morning” in the morning. We should “know” what While being a Sometimes if the question “How “knowledge” is. For example, the and as an activist in solving the problems of place in the field of Tamil translated Naima’s had taken place in collision entrenchedentrenched hatredhatred betweenbetween thethe Sometimes if the question “How “knowledge” is. For example, the student she opened are you?” is asked from one mobile telephone that is used to Trade Unions. Naima the workers. During this literature, as someone “Vaalaika Suwadugal,” prone regions in Belgium and SinhalaSinhala andand TamilTamil peoples.peoples. VeryVery are you?” is asked from one mobile telephone that is used to a small school in a person among them, he is capable a certain extent is being used as Siddik who was born in time, she obtained a post short story book into a Canada may be due to incorrect often they live amicably without person among them, he is capable a certain extent is being used as building owned by focusing specially on the of replying “fine”. life skills, by people who cannot Haputale in the Badulla as a teacher. That was to Sinhala edition “Jeevana implementationimplementation ofof languages”languages” anyany conflict.”conflict.” of replying “fine”. life skills, by people who cannot her father, who was a many problems that the Is it this skill (until now only speak or write Sinhala, let alone District, had her primary the Kahagolla Muslim sayssays thethe professor.professor. AsAs wewe havehave The “vision” of the draft Is it this skill (until now only speak or write Sinhala, let alone businessman, and taught Muslim people face in Piya Satahan,” and about 1%) that is expected of English. College. statedstated thisthis beliefbelief earlier,earlier, thethe statesstates thatthat “Sri“Sri LankaLanka shouldshould bebe about 1%) that is expected of English. education in the village their lives. during the facilitation a trilingual society? Is this also This is not due a Ten Year children of poverty followingfollowing isis anan extractextract fromfrom thethe aa trilingualtrilingual nationnation withinwithin thethe a trilingual society? Is this also This is not due a Ten Year and was successful in the festival it was launched. the Sinhala, Tamil language skill National implementation or stricken estate labourers. While being in the She wrote many speechspeech givengiven byby aa membermember ofof ourour next ten years." (The translation the Sinhala, Tamil language skill National implementation or scholarship examination that is expected from a person a special training. It is a skill teaching profession, she letters and essays Kamal Perera experimentalexperimental team.team. isis ours.Pgours.Pg 20).20). TheThe samesame factfact that is expected from a person a special training. It is a skill after which she entered She also took steps who does not speak Sinhala developed due to necessity and passed the Teaching about her race and Secretary, “Somalia“Somalia isis aa countrycountry whichwhich was stated in the speech by who does not speak Sinhala developed due to necessity and the Kathankudi Madya to establish a night and from a person who does experience in usage. Diploma examination. the many common Sinhala Tamil Co has one language and one Mr. Fernando and Professor and from a person who does experience in usage. Vidyalaya. Later, she school to teach people not speak Tamil? Today there 2009 was declared to be a After her marriage she social problems, and operative religion.religion. YetYet aa largelarge numbernumber ofof Dharmadasa who interpreted this not speak Tamil? Today there 2009 was declared to be a are job application forms that year of English (and Information people have divided themselves similarlysimilarly inin hishis letter.letter. are job application forms that year of English (and Information are printed in English available Technology.) Already one year intointo smallsmall groupsgroups andand theythey areare The entire population should are printed in English available Technology.) Already one year in the open market. The job has lapsed from the trilingual The National Association of Sri Lankan Writers expands fighting among themselves. Due be proficient in the English in the open market. The job has lapsed from the trilingual applicant has only to give his time limit. toto thisthis reason,reason, therethere isis nono stablestable Language by 2021-2. At the time applicant has only to give his time limit. name, address and identity card According to this scheme Steps have been taken to has already covered the The Minister of Culture required from the authors to governmentgovernment inin thethe country”.country”. (This(This of writing (Poson Poya Day 2012) name, address and identity card According to this scheme number to an English based the general population is in the strengthen the membership administrative districts of the and Arts, Mr. T.B. Ekanayake create a country which has a isis ourour briefbrief translatedtranslated extract)extract) thethe televisiontelevision isis showingshowing scenesscenes number to an English based the general population is in the computer programme and get same place as in 2009 as it was registry of the National island and had commenced stated recently at the Authors’ National Association of Sri We can obtain a very recent of a large population, toddlers, computer programme and get same place as in 2009 as it was his application form completed. in June 2011. So we can see as a exampleexample fromfrom thethe MiddleMiddle East.East. children,children, youngyoung men,men, youngyoung his application form completed. in June 2011. So we can see as a Association of Sri Lankan establishing district Executive Committee that Lankan Writers. He said that What is the point, if this life skill public declaration but not much SevereSevere conflictsconflicts areare observedobserved women, elderly laymen and What is the point, if this life skill public declaration but not much Writers. level registration of the the National Association he greatly appreciates the is limited only to a few? else. Anyone can see and travel stillstill inin thethe ArabArab countriescountries laywomen,laywomen, whowho areare engagedengaged inin is limited only to a few? else. Anyone can see and travel organization. of Sri Lankan Writers was assistance that is already being A job applicant should gain in the expressway that had been According to this, authors where divisions had been made religiousreligious activitiesactivities crowdingcrowding nearnear A job applicant should gain in the expressway that had been going to be incorporated by a given by the generation of the English proficiency to discuss opened by His Excellency the belonging to different ethnic The National Association sometimessometimes duedue toto religionsreligions andand thethe RuwanRuwan WeliWeli Seya.Seya. the English proficiency to discuss opened by His Excellency the the facts that are shown in the job President and appreciate it. It is a Parliamentary Act. authors of this country. sectssects butbut therethere areare nono divisionsdivisions Actually, can anyone the facts that are shown in the job President and appreciate it. It is a groups such as Sinhala, Tamil which was established by a application form. marvelous programme. But what due to language. believe that the Tri-lingual application form. marvelous programme. But what and Muslim are already being Parliamentary Act, has begun The minister stated that An appeal is sent to It is doubtful whether there about the Language Expressway? The history of Sri Lanka’s Advisory Committee and the It is doubtful whether there about the Language Expressway? formally included in a registry a number of long and short he had given instructions the authors who are living is a clear interpretation indicated Sinhala-TamilSinhala-Tamil conflictconflict indicatesindicates Honourable President would is a clear interpretation indicated of names. term activities, including to the relevant officers to everywhere in this country observe that at least a part of this about the trilingual proficiency thatthat itit waswas startedstarted byby thethe observe that at least a part of this about the trilingual proficiency Next issue the setting up of a Centre make a draft, for the act to let these facts be spread population, would be to some of citizens at any instance in the The National Association discussions about divisions population, would be to some of citizens at any instance in the AmaradasaWeerasinha extent tri-lingual, when they draft. in the capital, to encourage and to present it to the legal by joining the National by gentlemen, the thoughtless extent tri-lingual, when they draft. Cultural Magazine of Sri Lankan Writers which According to Mr. Sunimal, the progress of authors and department for approval, Association of Sri Lankan behaviour of political gentlemen, will be engaged in their religious According to Mr. Sunimal, An excerpt from the February had been established recently, who states in his speech, “Taking literature. and that a great assistance is writers. thethe workwork relatedrelated problemsproblems andand activitiesactivities onon PosonPoson PoyaPoya DayDay who states in his speech, “Taking 20132013 issue.issue. 6 Vibhasha 2013 December – January Vibhasha 2013 December – January 7

The literature of had come , Sri Lanka’s famous comparatively due to The fifth step of a author Mr. Martin the influence of Tamil series of leaflets Wickramasinghe was Nadu, the Sri Lankan Recourse, if your Language published with the a literary tradition Tamil arts and cultures goal of imparting that was honoured have not advanced: knowledge of not only in Sri Lanka there is no (Sri Lankan) Rights are violated but all over the world. Tamil Cinema, there is Language Rights to Many books including no (Sri Lankan) Tamil Provisions on the of language rights communities. “Gamperaliya, Drama. Nothing called subject of Language in violations. Kaliyugaya, the art of translation. the LLRC report were At a recent Training 1978 Yuganthaya, Madol The author depends on regularly mentioned in workshop for regional Duwa, Viragaya, Ape his skill to carry out his the Sri Lankan media in trainers of a civil society Constitution Gama” have been the duties.There are drama the recent past, and even project promoting source of great admiration I am not unfamiliar with schools in India. We do commented upon by the the language rights the 1978 by people. It has been not have such institutions. UN High Commissioner of minorities, human Constitution was established including observed during this Due to this reason the for Human Rights Ms rights lawyer and a chapter about the time, that the Tamil Sinhala experiences birth of (Sri Lankan) Navi Pillay. This might language rights advocate implementation of population as well as Tamil creativity has been make you wonder why S. G. Punchihewa talked subject to a great set back. fundamental rights the Sinhala population language is given the about language rights had a great liking for By R. Shadagopan Ramaiyah The other problem that important place that Yet it was difficult, in Sri Lanka and also even through this to Mr. Wickramasinghe’s we face is our inability to it is. Perhaps you feel Earlier Mr. is conveying a creativity had related in the book outlined the various implement the Tamil literature. market (sell) the literary that this is an issue that to giving an equal hitting her. Wickramasinghe’s about his childhood “Apey Gama”, were institutions and entities language rights Therefore, “The creations that are even affects only other people importance to the “Gamperaliya, Madol in a Sinhala village similar to the experiences Consider, finally that exist, from which we The fact that it could Martin Wickramasinghe produced occasionally. in other areas, and is languages of a country Duwa, Selected Short environment in Koggala, in my village in hilly another recent case of a can seek redress in the be implemented was Trust Fund” has made not really your business. where we are all equal as Stories” and others had relating the sentimental, Nawalapitiya, in the The Tamil author who desperate woman who event our language rights stated in the constitution arrangements to translate Language is believed to citizens. been translated into sensitive and vivid Sinhala areas. writes a book has to went to a police station are violated - these being 12(2) many books by Mr. pay for the production be a significant factor Imagine the plight the Supreme Court, This reads as follows. the Tamil language. experiences that he had I learnt deeply about the to make a complaint, Martin Wickramasinghe and distribute and in the ethnic conflict in of a poor woman from a "No citizen Translating the book received there. trees and plants and the as a last resort, that her the Official Languages in to the Tamil language. market it himself. The Sri Lanka, and although remote area like Vavunia should be subjected “Apey Gama” into the He made use of stories like village environment that husband drinks and Commission, the Human The books that had opportunities that are hostilities have ceased, to any harassment or Tamil language was “Apey Gama” to translate are related in this book. who came to Colombo, beats her badly. Her Rights Commission, and been translated into the present for the Sinhala sometimes the deep discrimination due to not my idea. This was to suit the present, the Then I realized that trees to visit her sick son. She complaint was in Tamil, the Consumer Affairs Tamil language are the literature and writers are resentment has not. reasons such as race, done under the Martin various incidents that like Madan, Bovitiya is sitting alone exhausted, but there was no officer Authority. novels “Gamperaliya” not there for the Tamil But on a positive note, religion, gender, political Wickramasinghe Trust had happened in society and Aththana were not hungry, waiting for the at the police station Seeking legal translated by Professor writers. More often, Tamil notable achievements affiliation or similar Fund, due to a request during that time. endemic to Koggala. bus back to her village who could write in recourse through the Uvasis, “MadolDuwa” by authors write books only have been made in the reasons" made to me by Mr. and it is almost 8 pm in Tamil, so the statement Supreme Court can be a Mr. Sundaram Saumyam, It is the birth place of Mr. I found out Tamil words due to the great liking and recent past towards Yet in this Wickramasinghe’s son Mr. the evening, transport was written in Sinhala, very expensive procedure and “Selected Short Martin Wickramasinghe that were similar to the appreciation for literature. achieving a goal of constitution, due to the Ranga Wickramasinghe. notifications are only and she had to sign it. requiring special lawyers Stories” by Professor that is portrayed in this words that were describing So far, there had been language equality in Sri fact that the Sinhala I received an award for read out in Sinhala which Her constitutionally to be hired in Colombo, Sabha Deva Rasa. village environment. the trees and plants. nobody who had come Lanka. Language was the the best translation of she does not understand, ensured language rights and should be used national Language, is it In this way he describes What are the special forward and asked them The translator whom “Apey Gama” into Tamil Langauge as a media she wants to ask someone (the right to use her only as a last resort, wrong not to conduct the ruralness of Koggala, common features that you to write. we are going to introduce on September 11th at the of communication is for information and there mother tongue) were for serious issues with official work in the Tamil a village in Galle, through today in Vibasha is the Sri Lanka Foundation observe in Sinhala Culture If you can speak about your fundamental to our are hardly any woman in violated in this case, but Language? the book “Apey Gama”. national significance, he author Mr Shadagopan Institute during the and Tamil Culture in Sri literary creations… very existence as human sight, she is afraid. this also resulted in a advised. Isnt the violation Ramaiyah. Godage Awards When I am enjoying Mr. Lanka? beings. In Sri Lanka, human rights violation of fundamental I translated author Imagine a traffic Aside from that, Ceremony. “Apey Gama” Wickramasinghe’s books, I a separate Ministry, where she suffered later rights included in the We will be discussing Taking into consideration Bandupala Guruge’s accident where a young there are many ways reveals the Sinhala village feel as if I too had similar namely the Ministry in the case as accurate constitution ? his translated works, all the cosmopolitian “Senehasin Upan Daruwo” motorcyclist has suffered for a person to seek environment, Sinhala experiences during my of National Languages information had not 1. in this situation what literary works and many subjects of the world of into Tamil. Also I am a a fall and is injured and redress - for example if village usages and the childhood. and Social Integration, been recorded. These are could be the practical other skills . The great art, specially the cinema, descendant of a section in pain, but is being they find a product or Wickramasinghe’s “Ape features of Sinhala culture. When I was translating headed by Hon. Minister true cases which were result? dramas, translations, of those living in the hassled by the police encounter an institution Gama” book had been Taking a Tamil village, did this story, I added certain estates of the hill country. Vasudeva Nanayakkara, recently recorded from 2. What happens to a short stories, books and officers in a language he which has instructions or translated to the Tamil its culture, its environment things creatively and Because I was thinking has been set up to bilingual areas of Sri right which arises from looking at it overall, the doesn’t understand, and information in only one language by Shadagopan and its usages seem more presented them. of speaking something address the issue of Lanka. the constitution? biggest obstacle that the they ask him questions language, they may even Ramaiyah. special than in a Sinhala Tamil race faces is the about them, that I wrote language equality as The environment which he cant answer, In cases like this one consider complaining Centre for Policy village? South Indian influence. the book “Sinhala Vathu a priority. This and He received the award that I lived in was a and they become can submit a complaint to the OLC sighting the Alternatives The other reason, when Kamkaruwange Kathawa”. a number of other for the best translation Mr. Martin hilly (Nawalapitiya) angry with him. Or a to the Human Rights Consumer Protection looking at dramas and the I translated Anula De institutions in Sri lanka 24/2, 28th Lane during the Godage Wickramasinghe spoke environment. Near our pregnant woman who Commission and also to Authority as respondent. Literary Awards Festival. about his experiences village were Sinhala cinema, Tamil dramas Silva’s “Thiththa Kopi” work hard to promote did not understand the the Official Languages Flower Road, are faced with a more into Tamil. In the case of Colombo 7. Can you describe how during his life from the villages. I saw that the and protect the language instructions a nurse gave Commission, two dangerous set back than language issues +94 (11) 2565304 /5 / 6 you got the inclination to age 9 to 11. At that time experiences and the How has this war that rights of all. her in Sinhala which institutions which the Sinhala dramas. encountered in a public www.cpalanka.org translate a book like “ Mr. Wickramasinghe’s age similarities that Mr. There is a resulted in the nurse monitor and assist people Apey [email protected] Gama”? was about 40 years. He Martin Wickramasinghe Even if Sinhala culture Continued to page 11 humanitarian aspect losing her temper and to find recourse in cases See page 14 Vibhasha 2013 December – January 7

The fifth step of a series of leaflets Recourse, if your Language published with the goal of imparting Rights are violated knowledge of Language Rights to Provisions on the of language rights communities. subject of Language in violations. the LLRC report were At a recent Training 1978 regularly mentioned in workshop for regional the Sri Lankan media in trainers of a civil society Constitution the recent past, and even project promoting commented upon by the the language rights the 1978 UN High Commissioner of minorities, human Constitution was established including for Human Rights Ms rights lawyer and a chapter about the Navi Pillay. This might language rights advocate implementation of make you wonder why S. G. Punchihewa talked fundamental rights language is given the about language rights Yet it was difficult, important place that in Sri Lanka and also it is. Perhaps you feel even through this to outlined the various implement the Tamil that this is an issue that to giving an equal hitting her. institutions and entities language rights affects only other people importance to the Consider, finally that exist, from which we The fact that it could in other areas, and is languages of a country another recent case of a can seek redress in the be implemented was not really your business. where we are all equal as desperate woman who event our language rights stated in the constitution Language is believed to citizens. went to a police station are violated - these being 12(2) be a significant factor Imagine the plight to make a complaint, the Supreme Court, This reads as follows. in the ethnic conflict in of a poor woman from a as a last resort, that her the Official Languages "No citizen Sri Lanka, and although remote area like Vavunia husband drinks and Commission, the Human should be subjected hostilities have ceased, who came to Colombo, beats her badly. Her Rights Commission, and to any harassment or sometimes the deep to visit her sick son. She complaint was in Tamil, the Consumer Affairs discrimination due to resentment has not. is sitting alone exhausted, but there was no officer Authority. reasons such as race, But on a positive note, religion, gender, political hungry, waiting for the at the police station Seeking legal notable achievements affiliation or similar bus back to her village who could write in recourse through the have been made in the reasons" and it is almost 8 pm in Tamil, so the statement Supreme Court can be a recent past towards Yet in this the evening, transport was written in Sinhala, very expensive procedure achieving a goal of constitution, due to the notifications are only and she had to sign it. requiring special lawyers language equality in Sri fact that the Sinhala read out in Sinhala which Her constitutionally to be hired in Colombo, Lanka. Language was the she does not understand, ensured language rights and should be used national Language, is it Langauge as a media she wants to ask someone (the right to use her only as a last resort, wrong not to conduct of communication is for information and there mother tongue) were for serious issues with official work in the Tamil fundamental to our are hardly any woman in violated in this case, but national significance, he Language? very existence as human sight, she is afraid. this also resulted in a advised. Isnt the violation beings. In Sri Lanka, human rights violation of fundamental Imagine a traffic Aside from that, a separate Ministry, where she suffered later rights included in the accident where a young there are many ways namely the Ministry in the case as accurate constitution ? motorcyclist has suffered for a person to seek of National Languages information had not 1. in this situation what a fall and is injured and redress - for example if and Social Integration, been recorded. These are could be the practical in pain, but is being they find a product or headed by Hon. Minister true cases which were result? hassled by the police encounter an institution Vasudeva Nanayakkara, recently recorded from 2. What happens to a officers in a language he which has instructions or has been set up to bilingual areas of Sri right which arises from doesn’t understand, and information in only one address the issue of Lanka. the constitution? they ask him questions language, they may even language equality as which he cant answer, In cases like this one consider complaining Centre for Policy a priority. This and and they become can submit a complaint to the OLC sighting the a number of other Alternatives angry with him. Or a to the Human Rights Consumer Protection institutions in Sri lanka 24/2, 28th Lane pregnant woman who Commission and also to Authority as respondent. work hard to promote did not understand the the Official Languages Flower Road, In the case of and protect the language instructions a nurse gave Commission, two Colombo 7. language issues rights of all. her in Sinhala which institutions which +94 (11) 2565304 /5 / 6 encountered in a public www.cpalanka.org There is a resulted in the nurse monitor and assist people [email protected] humanitarian aspect losing her temper and to find recourse in cases See page 14 8 Vibhasha 2013 December – January

Two more international awards for the bilingual newspaper “ADA”.

Focussing on the Sinhala and Tamil creative establishments in Sri Lanka, New Year celebrations, the “ADA” daily Leo Burnnett Company had been national newspaper, who published a working hand in hand with StarCom special Sinhala Tamil bilingual “Unity Colombo, the Colombo Branch of the Paper”, has won two international Starcom Media Company which had awards, one in the outreach section and won international fame. Before this, the also a silver award at the Spikes Asia “ADA” bilingual newspaper had won 2013 Festival of Creativity which had a Bronze award for the “Best Printing been held in Singapore. Method” at the 60th Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity that In order to assist the “ADA” daily was held in France, and was selected national newspaper, in producing this in the category of marketing of innovative policy, one of the primary promotional lettering design usage. Grade 7 Student with first place in Tamil reading, gets a Cash Award

Pasan Ramawickrama – Matara District The police officers of the Matara Police through the media eye Station had arranged a felicitation ceremony W.G. Samadhi Wijewardana who is to honour Samadhi. During this ceremony, in Grade 7 of the Central Collage Kirinda, the Inspector General of Police, Deshabandu Puhuluwella, Matara has won the first place Mr. Tennakoon had made arrangements to in the Students All Island Tamil Reading present her with a gift of rupees ten thousand. Contest 2013. She had won the 7th place in the Samastha Lanka Tamil Reading Contest Other than this, the “Feelan Association” that was held in 2012. This student’s father of Matara had given her a gift of rupees Mr. Mahesh Wijewardana had disappeared twenty thousand. News published in during the 2004 Tsunami and her mother Meanwhile, Police Inspector Mr. several Sinhala and Mrs. D. K. Gamage (5292) is presently a Prashantha Hemal had made arrangements Police Officer in the Matara Police Station. Tamil Newspapers to award her a scholarship for progress, in her She has a younger sister aged 4 years. education. the Sri Lankan

Certificates for the group that finished the Tamil Training Course.

R.Gunaratna – Millaniya. Certificates were presented recently by the Kalutara District Secretary Mr. U.D.C. Jayalal to the second group who had successfully completed the Tamil Training Course that was held free in the Divisional Secretariat, Millaniya. Under the advice of the Milleniya Divisional Secretary Mrs. Buddhini Gunawardana, Mr. G. Vanaraj, the Infrastructure Facilities Development Officer had continuously conducted their classes for several years at the Millaniya DS Office This training course that had been conducted by government officers and people who lived there, had been immensely popular. 8 Vibhasha 2013 December – January Vibhasha 2013 December – January 9

Two more international awards for the Within two weeks orders A Practical Sinhala Tamil bilingual newspaper “ADA”. have to be implemented. English Dictionary is published

Focussing on the Sinhala and Tamil creative establishments in Sri Lanka, The Human Rights Commission emphasizes Lawrence Selvanayagam. – 2013.08.08 New Year celebrations, the “ADA” daily Leo Burnnett Company had been Sudaroli – 2013.10.15 national newspaper, who published a working hand in hand with StarCom The Ministry of National Languages and The orders that had been issued by the special Sinhala Tamil bilingual “Unity Colombo, the Colombo Branch of the Social Integration has compiled and published a Human Rights Commission are required to Paper”, has won two international Starcom Media Company which had handy and practical Sinhala, Tamil, and English be implemented within two weeks, says this awards, one in the outreach section and won international fame. Before this, the trilingual dictionary. also a silver award at the Spikes Asia “ADA” bilingual newspaper had won Commission. This is the first general dictionary that had 2013 Festival of Creativity which had a Bronze award for the “Best Printing The Human Rights Commission had stated been published by the state. The Ministry states been held in Singapore. Method” at the 60th Cannes Lions that legal action would be taken against any International Festival of Creativity that that this is a great asset for government officials In order to assist the “ADA” daily Heads of Departments who have been unable to was held in France, and was selected who carry out their duties in the national national newspaper, in producing this implement these orders. in the category of marketing of trilingual languages of the country, for people in innovative policy, one of the primary promotional lettering design usage. Many complaints had been received by the ordinary offices and for generations of students. Human Rights Commission, saying that some The Ministry further states that the goal is to heads of departments had not carried out the broaden and enhance the trilingual knowledge orders that had been given. Grade 7 Student with first place in among the population of Sri Lanka, and The Commission also states that a separate arrangements had been made to observe this Tamil reading, gets a Cash Award investigation would be carried out regarding globally through the internet. the complaints. The Chairman of the Sri Lanka Also, this trilingual dictionary has been Human Rights Commission, Mr. Priyantha Pasan Ramawickrama – Matara District The police officers of the Matara Police through the media eye created to assist teaching establishments, officers Station had arranged a felicitation ceremony Fernando had discussed his problem with His W.G. Samadhi Wijewardana who is in government offices, educationists and also to honour Samadhi. During this ceremony, Excellency President Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksa. in Grade 7 of the Central Collage Kirinda, those who are engaged in research the Inspector General of Police, Deshabandu Puhuluwella, Matara has won the first place This decision that had been taken by the Mr. Tennakoon had made arrangements to Using the internet, the web address to be in the Students All Island Tamil Reading Human Rights Commission had been sent to the present her with a gift of rupees ten thousand. used www.trilingualdictionary .lk Contest 2013. She had won the 7th place in legal department for inclusion in the legal draft. the Samastha Lanka Tamil Reading Contest Other than this, the “Feelan Association” Meanwhile, this legal draft is to be presented to Copies of the above practical dictionary have that was held in 2012. This student’s father of Matara had given her a gift of rupees the parliament to be passed. been officially handed over to the Ministry of Mr. Mahesh Wijewardana had disappeared twenty thousand. News published in popular media Public Administration, and CD’s containing this during the 2004 Tsunami and her mother Meanwhile, Police Inspector Mr. several Sinhala and reflect how the dictionary have been given to all departments, Mrs. D. K. Gamage (5292) is presently a Prashantha Hemal had made arrangements according to an official of this Ministry. Police Officer in the Matara Police Station. Tamil Newspapers bilingual problems to award her a scholarship for progress, in her She has a younger sister aged 4 years. education. the Sri Lankan are questioned. If the Tamil language had also been an official language there would have been no ethnic problems. Certificates for the Letters should be sent in the Tamil Language group that finished the request the Pradeshiya Sabha Members Minister Tissa Vitharana said Tamil Training Course. Weerakesari – 2013.08.25 Sudaroli – 2013.10.07 Elected members had expressed their dissatisfaction that letters written Hon Minister Mr. Tissa Vitharana said that the national R.Gunaratna – Millaniya. in English had been sent to the Jaffna Pradeshiya Sabha, without translating problem of Sri Lanka had not yet been solved. The Minister stated Certificates were presented recently by the them into Tamil and had appealed to the Chairman of the Pradeshiya Sabha this taking part in the ceremony of laying a wreath in the statue Kalutara District Secretary Mr. U.D.C. Jayalal to to get the letters translated into the Tamil Language according to the existing of the late leftist politician Mr. Pieter Keuneman in Maradana, the second group who had successfully completed trilingual policy. honouring his 96th birth anniversary,on the 5th October. He the Tamil Training Course that was held free in Letters written in English giving information about the development further stated there, that there is still no establishment of peace the Divisional Secretariat, Millaniya. work programmes and other facts in an Eastern Pradeshiya Sabhawa have and harmony in the country. The ethnic problem is still existing in Under the advice of the Milleniya Divisional been given to the members without being translated into the Tamil language. the country. There had been no solution for it yet. Secretary Mrs. Buddhini Gunawardana, Mr. G. Many members who had no knowledge of the English language being If action had been taken during that time to make both Vanaraj, the Infrastructure Facilities Development unable to understand the information in these letters, face many difficulties languages national languages as appealed by leftist leaders like Mr. Officer had continuously conducted their classes and they have come to a state that they are compelled to seek assistance from for several years at the Millaniya DS Office Pieter Keuneman including other leaders, this present problem others. In some instances, they have been in a state where they had said would not have occurred. Against this, a main reason for this This training course that had been conducted incorrect facts due to misunderstanding the information. problem, was making the Sinhala Language only the national by government officers and people who lived The members had pointed out the English letters and the problems that language and implementing it. Therefore, the necessity for making there, had been immensely popular. they face due to these, and had appealed to the Chairman to refrain from both the Sinhala and Tamil languages into Official languages is allowing this injustice in the future and appealed to provide them with Tamil now apparent translations of the English letters. 10 Vibhasha 2013 December – January Minister Tissa Vitharana said Sudaroli – 2013.10.07 The veteran MinisterA Mr. Quality Tissa Vitharana said that Future the national problem of Sri Lanka had not yet been solved. The Minister stated this taking part in the ceremony of laying a wreath in the statue of the late leftist politician Mr. Pieter Keuneman in Maradana, Generationhonouring his 96th birth anniversary, as the a day beforeresult yesterday. He of further stated there, that there is still no establishment of peace and harmony in the country. The ethnic problemBilingual is still existing in the country. Education. There had been no solution for it yet. If action had been taken during that time to make both languages national languages as Priyanthaappealed by Nanayakkara. leftist leaders like Mr. Pieter Keuneman including among leaders, this Directorpresent problem of Education would (Bilingualnot have occurred. Education) Against this, the reason for this problem, was making the Sinhala Language only the national language and implementing it. Therefore, the necessity for making both the Sinhala and Tamil languages into Official Althoughlanguages isonly now limited apparent The first part of this letter research has been conducted P10 which discusses the place about eh progress of bilingual of bilingual education acquisition of a language is implementation of this concept education in Sri Lanka some a subconscious action, while when considering the expected within a trilingual policy ideaA can Quality be obtained Future abot theGeneration due to bilingual education.learning a language takes place results, the similarity that is was published in the pre- skillsPriyantha of the students Nanayakkara. of bilingial consciously. existing between these two education, from the analysis of vious issue. Director of education (bilingual Education) When learning a language, different work programmes is examination results the rules of the language as the great contribution that they Following is a result analysis concept subjects as mathematics well as grammar are learnt, give to a bilingual Sri Lanka. and science. This also tallies of theThe passes first p asart percentages of this letter which discusses the place of bilingual educationand within even if a the language is not The place of English in a with international experimental of sometrilingual of the policy subjects was publishedthat in the previous issue. learnt directly learning the bilingual education. bilingual education students findings. language gives a knowledge of In this, a fact that cannot had sat for in the English Learning and acquisition. grammar in an indirect way be ignored is the mutual mediumAlthough for theonly General limited research has beenThere conducted is a difference about eh progress whileof bilingual ensuring the correct relationship that exists between Certificateeducation of in Education Sri Lanka some idea betweencan be o btainedlearning abot a language the skills of theway students of using of it. In bilingual the English language education (Ordinarybilingial Level) education, examination from the analysis and of languageexamination acquisition. results education, a language is used and the bilingual education. from the year 2008 to the year This is a another primary as a medium of instruction For example just as the Sinhala 2011. difference between teaching to teach subjects that are not language or the Tamil language Following is a result analysis of the passes as percentages of some of the subjects that bilingual As shown in the analysis the the English language as a languages (Cummins 1997) and is important when teaching education students had sat for in the English medium for the General Certificate of Education students who received bilingual subject and the bilingual a valuable opportunity arises, to science, subjects in the Sinhala (Ordinary Level) examination from the year 2008 to the year 2011. education, show a high education work programme. acquire the language which is or Tamil medium, the English performanceGraph 1.0 shows in the such percentage complex of passes inAccording the results toanalysis Krashen, of the 1981,bilingual educationthe goal.students language becomes important who had sat for the General Certificate of Education (Ordinary Level) Examination. when teaching science subjects Subject 2008 2009 2010 2011 Multilingual in the English medium. In this, Literacy because the English language Mathematics 94.82 93.73 95.67 94.15 is a foreign language and not There is a the first language more care has Science 90.95 92.83 92.83 91.78 clear difference to be taken when teaching the between Geography 95.20 97.78 97.78 97.66 English language. bilingualism Citizenship Education 94.30 91.30 91.30 96.14 and bilingual For this, the teacher of Health and physical 99.71 99.40 99.40 99.67 education. The bilingual education can get education word “bilingual” much assistance from the indicates the teacher of the English language. Graph- From National Symposium on reviewing of the performance of the school ability to communicate in During this journey candidates, GCE (o/L) exam – 2011, Research and Development branch, Graph - National symposium on reviewing of the perfornamce of school the two languages and is the torwards a trilingual Sri Lanka, Departmentcandidates, of G.C.E. Examination (O/L) examination - 2011, Research and Development primary result of an education giving prominence to the branch, Department of Examination in (two) languages. In a first language in the bilingual 102 bilingual education system, education programme , helps always the goal language is used in creating a generation who 100 14 98 as the medium of instruction uses the goal language not only together with the students first 96 for communication but for language, the result of which is 94 mastering of a concept and for acquiring bilingual proficiency 92 thinking too. (multi lingual) as stated above. 90 Therefore to accomplish the 88 This is the reply that can goal of a trilingual Sri Lanka, 86 be given to some people who the bilingual programme, 84 argue that, within the school including the contribution syllabus, only a formal English given by every programme Picture 1.0 shows the analysis of results of the passes of the was necessary which needs to dealing with languages and bilingual education students who sat for the General Certificate of be only strengthened. the international relationship Education(Ordinary Level) Examination. According to the method of among them is very important. 10 Vibhasha 2013 December – January Vibhasha 2013 December – January 11

A Quality Future A young man living in Panama says, “The I am not unfamiliar villagers cut firewood without harming the from page 6 Generation as a result of jungle , yet we are forbidden. The people cut valuable trees on the sly, with no problem at went on for 30 years affected the Tamil all. liking for litreature Bilingual Education. By now the group who likes Tamil literature is expanding. Priyantha Nanayakkara. It is seen that literary creations depicting Director of Education (Bilingual Education) the sorrow and lament of the Tamil population affected by the war, have been Although only limited The first part of this letter produced. Various components have research has been conducted which discusses the place been added to Tamil literature. about eh progress of bilingual of bilingual education acquisition of a language is implementation of this concept What is your opinion about a great author education in Sri Lanka some within a trilingual policy a subconscious action, while when considering the expected of Sinhala literature like Mr. Martin idea can be obtained abot the learning a language takes place results, the similarity that is was published in the pre- Wickramasinghe? skills of the students of bilingial consciously. existing between these two vious issue. He is one of the authors who education, from the analysis of When learning a language, different work programmes is examination results the great contribution that they introduced the identity of this country’s the rules of the language as heritage. I like to say that Mr. Martin Following is a result analysis concept subjects as mathematics well as grammar are learnt, give to a bilingual Sri Lanka. From the previous issue and science. This also tallies Wickramasinghe was an author who of the passes as percentages and even if the language is not The place of English in a made a great effort to rekindle the of some of the subjects that with international experimental learnt directly learning the bilingual education. The birth place of the findings. parents of Nallan Thewani, Sinhala, Buddhist, Tamil identity that had bilingual education students language gives a knowledge of In this, a fact that cannot Learning and acquisition. (aged 58) who had inherited Sinhala-Tamil Relatives been buried under Burgher, Portuguese had sat for in the English grammar in an indirect way be ignored is the mutual and British subjugation. People like him medium for the General the dhoby trade from There is a difference while ensuring the correct relationship that exists between made an effort to reclaim culture and Certificate of Education generations, was Potuvil. between learning a language way of using it. In bilingual the English language education in Panampaththuwa civilisation and so on that was lost during (Ordinary Level) examination and language acquisition. education, a language is used and the bilingual education. Apart from connections with relatives in Paanama, that era. from the year 2008 to the year This is a another primary as a medium of instruction For example just as the Sinhala and selling palu and weera including member of several While translating “Apey Gama” you 2011. difference between teaching to teach subjects that are not language or the Tamil language products during the bearing They should be protected families such as Magalinga, have said that you learnt about trees and As shown in the analysis the the English language as a languages (Cummins 1997) and is important when teaching season. Selvarsa , Sindiran and The Panama Pradeshiya plants described in and the use of various students who received bilingual subject and the bilingual a valuable opportunity arises, to science, subjects in the Sinhala Kandasamy, they still continue Vendors from Sabha member Mr Ajantha languages while translating “Apey Gama”. education, show a high education work programme. acquire the language which is or Tamil medium, the English the dhobi trade and his Akkaraipattu, Kalmunai and Wimalasena says, “ the Did you think that there might be some performance in such complex According to Krashen, 1981, the goal. language becomes important children are in the fishing Pottuid come to buy them. people of Panama suffer from when teaching science subjects harm to the original book, by making use of industry say Nallan Thevami. Cutting firewood is economic difficulties. Many this information for this translation work? in the English medium. In this, people don’t possess a fixed Multilingual The livelihood of more also a means of livelihood. because the English language abode. When an innocent When translating a Sinhala book into the Literacy than half the young men living But it is difficult due to the is a foreign language and not man goes to the jungle to Tamil language, I think that I am creating There is a in Paanama is from the fishing imposition of regulations by the first language more care has get a medicinal plant or a new story. This is how a successful clear difference industry. The main industry the Department of Wild Life to be taken when teaching the some firewood, he is caught. translation is created. Today translation between is catching lobsters but it is and Forest Conservation. English language. A programme should be has become a wave. I don’t think that a bilingualism forbidden to catch “young “Villages cut firewood implemented to give economic translation done, by getting caught to that and bilingual For this, the teacher of abhina” until the prawns are without the harming jungle. progress to the village and to wave will be successful. It is an injustice education. The bilingual education can get mature, and during days their Yet we are forbidden. There protect its culture. done to the reader. A translation must be word “bilingual” much assistance from the income is from “going on is no problem for those who carried out with creativity and finesse. indicates the teacher of the English language. courses” ie sailing in boats cut trees and transport them The law is not practical. ability to communicate in During this journey at dawn and returning in on the sly.” says a young man The Chairman of the At present, I am translating Mr. Upali Graph - National symposium on reviewing of the perfornamce of school the two languages and is the torwards a trilingual Sri Lanka, the afternoon which is this living in Panama. Central Environmental Leelaratna’s “They Katha” book into the candidates, G.C.E. (O/L) examination - 2011, Research and Development Tamil language. This book also deals primary result of an education giving prominence to the routine. As a result of the change Authority, Mr. Charitha with the problems and grievances that branch, Department of Examination in (two) languages. In a first language in the bilingual Sudu Banda Abeyeratna in the tradition of the village Herath says, “ from the fact the estate labourers are facing. I have a 102 bilingual education system, education programme , helps says “Now a kilo of the young men and women go that the villager who takes firewood while not harming special right to speak about people like 100 always the goal language is used in creating a generation who alugoduwa(fish) is Rs.300. away to other places in order the environment is being them. I have no wish to become popular. 98 as the medium of instruction uses the goal language not only Rs. 200 has to be paid to to get jobs. Tourists come to together with the students first caught and the poacher who I don’t want to be a Harry Potter or 96 for communication but for those who catch them. Life is the village. language, the result of which is cuts wood having no problem, Shakespere My aim is to give something 94 mastering of a concept and for difficult because now less fish Threats from Drug Addiction acquiring bilingual proficiency thinking too. are caught,” A large number of it is shown that the purpose of to people about my experiences in the 92 The elders say that, being (multi lingual) as stated above. fisherman in Paanama work the law is not achieved” estate life. 90 Therefore to accomplish the exposed to outside society under businessmen. Also The objectionable state Could you tell us about your media life? 88 This is the reply that can goal of a trilingual Sri Lanka, results in various dangers such the diesel expenditure for where the limits of the law 86 be given to some people who the bilingual programme, as alchohol and drugs. I served five years as the main editor of the boats is very high. Many enter the limits of village argue that, within the school including the contribution “Subawali Wu” a health magazine and 84 fishermen have to live with It is observed that they life, while the law is being syllabus, only a formal English given by every programme as the starting editor of “Vijai” a Tamil was necessary which needs to considerable debts. still have a deep feeling for the implemented unjustly, cannot Picture 1.0 shows the analysis of results of the passes of the dealing with languages and heritage and the identity of the newspaper of the Vijaya Newspaper be only strengthened. The Paanama village gets be condoned. bilingual education students who sat for the General Certificate of the international relationship “ Paanama”. Association. Education(Ordinary Level) Examination. According to the method of among them is very important. an extra income by cutting Thibiriyagama Bandara 12 Vibhasha 2013 December – January Ethnic Harmony and literature

L. Murugabhoopathy

The primary causes of Hemmingway, Chinua Achebe the ethnic problem in Sri through the English language. Lanka are languages and Tamil and Sinhala readers, facts relating to language who read the books of the and ethnicity. Yet human above mentioned translated compassion is common to them into their mother everyone. Regardless of a language there by gaining person’s ethnicity, religion and knowledge about them. language knowledge, he or she will receive compassionate Also the Sinhala, Tamil medical treatment to save and Muslim people who are his or her life in the event all Sri Lankans could realize of developing world famous the identities, culture, hopes illness or ailments like and dreams of their brother diabetes, cancer and AIDS. In communities due to the the same way, authors, media mutual languages translations. Sri Lanka for the Tamil short Dilrukshi, Aravinda personal and artists should story magazine(Kanneerum Chandrapathma, Amarapala It is the truth that one be friends who will provide Thanneerum-1964). Karasingherachchi, Ajith community cannot live freely treatment to groups who Many literary creations of parakum Jayasinghe , Upali if it is subjugating another develop illness due to ethnicity Sri Lankan authors like Leelaratna and others community. A simple example Martin Wickramasinghe, translated into the Tamil If they, with their creations is that in a family if a husband Ediriweera Sarathchandra, language and published in the spread viruses, they will be tries to control a wife, or a Gunasena Vithana, magazine “Gnanam” which is destroyed by the same viruses. wife tries to control a husband, K.Jayathilaka,G.B.Senanayaka, published in Colombo. the strength of that family is The identity, mark, Ariyaratna Vithana, shattered. Many of the short stories language and literature of one Karunasena Jayalath, had been translated into the ethnic group can be known It is because of the Gunadasa Amarasekara, Tamil language by Arumugam from the arts and literature of above reason that developed Mahagama Sekara and many Tharangavelayutham and another ethnic group. countries like Australia have others were translated into the Dikwella Kamal. realized that humanity and Tamil Language and For example, language compassion are absolutely published Until recently more than 150 translations help us essential. issues of the ‘Gnanan’ maga- tremendously to read and Meanwhile the zine had been published, the understand in our language, Many writers are making photographs and the editor being Professour T. American literary works great efforts to build ethnic interviews done with the Gunasekara. A short story by that had been published harmony among the Tamil Language proficient Dharmasiri Vithana had been from European languages, Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim priest Rathanavansha Thero, translated into the Tamil lan- showing the nature of communities in Sri Lanka. Sinhala Film director professor guage by Dikwelle Kamal and ethnic communities in these Lester James Pieris, dramatist The monthly magazine had been published by Kalma- countries, their customs their , the great “Mallieika” which was initially ni Paranidaran in the monthly hopes and dreams and other book publisher of Sri Lanka published in Jaffna for 30 magazine ‘Jeevanadi’ in Jaffna. facts. Deshabandu Sirisumana years and later in Colombo In Baticaloa, Fahimajagan has Godage, author Denagama We learnt about the for 17 years, advocated racial published poems by Manjula Siriwardana, Translator Upali creations of world known harmony continuously. Wediwardana, translated into Lealaratna, among them were authors like Shakespeare, the Tamil language in the tri- The editor of the magazine published in the Mallieika. Leo Tolstoy, Dostoyevsky, monthly magazine ‘Magudam’ Dominic Jeeva is a progressive Maxim Gorky, D.H.Lawrence, Meanwhile short stories yet people like me wonder writer. He is the one who Maupassant, Kaleel of Denegama Siriwardana, how many of these facts are received the national literary Gibran,Nasrun,Nasrul Islam, Kasun Aramapth ,Phillmera known by the Sinhala readers. award for the first time in 12 Vibhasha 2013 December – January Vibhasha 2013 December – January 13

recruitment, preference should be given to those with skills in a Dr Devanesan Nesiah is a Strengthening Bi-lingual second or third language. Ethnic Harmony reputed former civil servant and a senior officer in the Sri Lankan public Schools through a new (d) The Ministry of Public administration who has gained a Administration should post lot of experiences by working as a Education Policy and literature Government Agent in the districts of needs of each Department. The Jaffna, Mannar and Batticaloa. the officers according to the In the early years of the 80 's he Mutual understanding should, before postings are served as the GA in Jaffna and later and appreciation of the made,Official be Languages consulted Commission in working L. Murugabhoopathy became the secretary of the Ministry rich cultural diversity of out the rules governing language competency in the respective of Environment. He was in that different communities position until retirement. should be inculcated in the At present, he is contributing to complete this process and make The primary causes of Hemmingway, Chinua Achebe minds of school children society as a reputed intellectual and a necessaryoffices. It should appointments be possible within to the ethnic problem in Sri through the English language. civil social activist. and youth so that the process 1999. Lanka are languages and Tamil and Sinhala readers, In this article he focuses on of reconciliation takes firm (e) Training programmes in facts relating to language who read the books of the several long term and short term root in the social fabric of the Sinhala, Tamil and English should and ethnicity. Yet human above mentioned translated measures that should be followed to country. be initiated island-wide to enable compassion is common to them into their mother assure Tamil language rights. everyone. Regardless of a language there by gaining In this article the emphasis is person’s ethnicity, religion and all categories of officers to gain knowledge about them. given to the short term measures. Dr Devanesan Nesiah possible, all three languages. language knowledge, he or proficiency(f) All induction in at least and two and, if she will receive compassionate Also the Sinhala, Tamil Part six of an article series on Tamil Language Rights in Sri Lanka selected training courses should medical treatment to save and Muslim people who are The recommendations dated incorporate modules relating his or her life in the event all Sri Lankans could realize 30 December 1998 include far (a) Identify constraints like detail the obligations of the public to the language policy of the of developing world famous the identities, culture, hopes reaching changes, most of which lack of equipment, documents etc, servants in relation to dealings state and awareness of relevant illness or ailments like and dreams of their brother remain valid but unimplemented. and take immediate measures to with Tamil speaking persons. provisions of the Constitution. diabetes, cancer and AIDS. In communities due to the For this reason they are (g) Public awareness should purchase the equipment needed, Short Term Measures (to be the same way, authors, media mutual languages translations. Sri Lanka for the Tamil short Dilrukshi, Aravinda reproduced unchanged: be built up of the right of every print the documents, etc, using taken during the course of the personal and artists should story magazine(Kanneerum Chandrapathma, Amarapala person to transact business It is the truth that one available funds or savings under year 1999) be friends who will provide Thanneerum-1964). Karasingherachchi, Ajith RECOMMENDATIONS community cannot live freely other items in the budget. treatment to groups who Many literary creations of parakum Jayasinghe , Upali If the administration is to (a) Identify the Departments any part of the Island in Sinhala, if it is subjugating another (b) Convert all monolingual develop illness due to ethnicity Sri Lankan authors like Leelaratna and others meet the needs of the Tamil and the Service Grades that Tamilwith any or English,government and ofoffice the in community. A simple example and bilingual name and direction Martin Wickramasinghe, translated into the Tamil speaking people, there should need fresh recruitment of Tamil If they, with their creations is that in a family if a husband boards into trilingual name and Ediriweera Sarathchandra, language and published in the spread viruses, they will be tries to control a wife, or a direction boards. The cost of Gunasena Vithana, magazine “Gnanam” which is suchobligation services cast including on the offices replying and destroyed by the same viruses. wife tries to control a husband, doing this will be minimal and Policyspeaking of theofficers Government. to enable This full K.Jayathilaka,G.B.Senanayaka, published in Colombo. institutionsbe a sufficient and number corporations. of Tamil lettersofficers in concerned the language to provide used by the strength of that family is it is unlikely that any additional implementation of the Language The identity, mark, Ariyaratna Vithana, proficient officials in state the writer and issuing any extract shattered. Many of the short stories resources will need to be allocated Ministry of Public Administration language and literature of one Karunasena Jayalath, translators, clerks, typists and for this exercise. or translation of any record, had been translated into the The officials needed will be Identification may be done by the ethnic group can be known It is because of the Gunadasa Amarasekara, others as well as departmental registration, publication or other Tamil language by Arumugam grades, such as police personnel at (c) Withdraw all forms in the document in the language chosen from the arts and literature of above reason that developed Mahagama Sekara and many in consultation with the Official Tharangavelayutham and all levels. Recruitment of adequate Department that are not trilingual, three or four month’s time frame. by the applicant. another ethnic group. countries like Australia have others were translated into the Languages Commission within a Dikwella Kamal. numbers of Tamil speaking staff is destroy them and have the forms realized that humanity and Tamil Language and (h) In order to motivate For example, language essential. But this cannot be done printed by the Government Commission could seek compassion are absolutely published Until recently more than 150 Printer in all three languages on translations help us overnight. The team realises that government(b) The Official approval Languages for the essential. issues of the ‘Gnanan’ maga- the same paper. The Government three languages, a new incentive tremendously to read and Meanwhile the immediate, short term and long special recruitment of the officers to gain proficiency in all zine had been published, the Printer should be asked to give scheme should he introduced understand in our language, Many writers are making photographs and the term measures are needed. required numbers of Tamil editor being Professour T. top priority to this work. American literary works great efforts to build ethnic interviews done with the speaking cadres. The new passing the relevant examinations Gunasekara. A short story by (d) Instruct all public servants appointment may be set off that had been published harmony among the Tamil Language proficient consensus between the Ministry andconsisting a monthly of fixed allowance sums on for Dharmasiri Vithana had been to comply with Government policy against existing vacancies and, if from European languages, Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim priest Rathanavansha Thero, of PublicThe first Administration, urgent need Ministryis a using the additional language in translated into the Tamil lan- in regard to the use of the national there are not enough vacancies showing the nature of communities in Sri Lanka. Sinhala Film director professor of Finance & Planning, Salaries day to day work. The incentive guage by Dikwelle Kamal and languages, particularly reminding additional posts could be created ethnic communities in these Lester James Pieris, dramatist and Cadre Committee and the allowance must be paid only The monthly magazine had been published by Kalma- them of widespread failure to on the understanding that other countries, their customs their Henry Jayasena, the great “Mallieika” which was initially ni Paranidaran in the monthly recruitment would be suspended hopes and dreams and other book publisher of Sri Lanka on the immediate, short term and addition to their normal duties, published in Jaffna for 30 magazine ‘Jeevanadi’ in Jaffna. longOfficial term Languages measures Commission needed to language. till the excess disappears through to those officers who work, in facts. Deshabandu Sirisumana in a language other than their years and later in Colombo In Baticaloa, Fahimajagan has implement(e) A circular Tamil assetting an official out natural wastage. Godage, author Denagama We learnt about the for 17 years, advocated racial published poems by Manjula the language policy of the (c) Thereafter the Secretary, a strict check on this payment Siriwardana, Translator Upali creations of world known harmony continuously. Wediwardana, translated into Audit,implement we have Tamil formulated as an Official government in relation to the Ministry of Public Administration andfirst appropriatelanguage. There norms should should be Lealaratna, among them were authors like Shakespeare, the Tamil language in the tri- theLanguage. following Based proposals on our forLanguage use of Tamil may be jointly could call for applications from be established. Those who draw The editor of the magazine published in the Mallieika. Leo Tolstoy, Dostoyevsky, monthly magazine ‘Magudam’ consideration. drafted by the Ministry of Public suitable candidates, specifying the monthly allowance should be Dominic Jeeva is a progressive Maxim Gorky, D.H.Lawrence, Meanwhile short stories yet people like me wonder available for posting outstation as writer. He is the one who Immediate Measures (to Maupassant, Kaleel of Denegama Siriwardana, how many of these facts are be taken within the next few provisions required in respect of required. received the national literary Administration and the Official the special Tamil Languages Gibran,Nasrun,Nasrul Islam, Kasun Aramapth ,Phillmera known by the Sinhala readers. weeks) oral, reading and writing skills at award for the first time in Languages Commission, and the point of recruitment. In this To the next Issue circulated to all offices and sub-offices. The Circular should 14 Vibhasha 2013 December – January

Jahan. The Ezhuma Media Foundation Important Contacts states that this Tamil translation will be launched in April in London and Official Languages simultaneously launched in Norway; it Commission is also expected to be launched in May in Canada and Switzerland. C/O Ministry of At the moment, copies of this book National Languages and produced by the printers are available at Social Integration the Discovery Book Palace (Pvt) Ltd as No. 40. Buthgamuwa Road, stated by that company. Rajagiriya, Sri Lanka. The state of language policy was Website http://lanintegmin. discussed in the time of the chief guest gov.lk the honorable, Minister of National Languages and Social Integration Mr HOTLINE 1956 A motherland without a Vasudeva Nanayakkara, and it was noted that several work programmes Human Rights Commission title, or Tamil poems about the implementation of the state languages policy had been held recently. HRCSL - Head Office Primarily these work programmes No. 165 Kynsey Road, become Tamil. had been held on 2013.07.31 in Borella, Colombo 8 Anuradhapura, East Kandy district, and Tel : 9411-2694925, 9411- The publishing companyexile, namely ‘Ahala amathuma kata in the Kahatagasthigiliya DS Division 2685980 Ezhuna Media Foundation states arahemi’ Another was held on 2013.06.27 in Fax : 09411- 2694924 Trincomalee, in the Kadawathasathra that the Tamil translation of “This is an extremely important and Kanatalai DS Division. the book “Mathrukawak neth moment, myself, I questioned using HOTLINE 1996 the language that I write, the Sinhala The main goal of the work mathruboomiya” ‘a Motherland conscience. By enabling Tamil society programmes was to inform the offices Consumer Affairs without a topic’ or a magazine to read how I questioned the Sinahla in the government officers within Authority of Tamil poems which had been conscience will be a motivating factor the relevant Pradeshiya Secretariat launched in 2010 by Manjula to pave way for future politics,” says section about the language policy Consumer Affairs Authority Wediwardana, will be launched in Manjula Wediwardana. and also to discuss how the language 1st & 2nd floor, CWE April in London. The book of poems ‘Marthukawak policy is being implemented in these Secretariet Building A spokesman for the Media Nathi Marthrubumiya’ written by establishments. Information had been 27,Vauxhall Street Foundation which is based in the Manjula Wediwardana who is an author given here about the language section Colombo 02 United Kingdom said "We need to walk as well as a Media personality, is the first of the Ministry of Social Integration Fax: (011) 2399148 with progressive Sinhala people. At book of poems that had been translated and other connected establishments http://www.caa.gov.lk this moment, we are really happy that as a whole book from the Sinhala such as the National Languages a book of Sinhala poems have been language to the Tamil Language. department, National Languages Vibhasha Newsletter translated into the Tamil languages It had been translated into the Commission, National language on Language Rights and we have been able to publish it. Tamil language by two highly talented education and training Institution and C/o Lionel Guruge We believe that there will be discourse translators, M. Rishan and Fahima their duties and responsibilities. 105 Fifth Lane about this among Tamil Poems. In Colombo 3 the future we hope to introduce more Sinhala literary works to the Tamil from page 7 reader, and to introduce Tamil literacy Recourse, if your.... works to the Sinhala reader. We belive that this course of action will be the first institution such as a library or government your complaint has been acted on. Its also step towards a new culture.’ He further institution, public cemetery or place of important to exercise your civic rights and stated. In 1997, Manjula together with worship one can submit a notice to the Official notify such institutions on instances where you share Macelvi launched his first book Languages Commission or even the Human see language rights being violated, because as of poems ‘Niruththara Samadhiya’ and Rights Commission so as to discuss with with the examples above, although you may not also launched ‘Pilihuduwi’ in 2002, the responsible parties for translations to be personally be affected by such a situation, it may and ‘madusadhiri maduwitha’ in 2008, provided. This is of course after first trying to cause suffering and violation of basic human Recourse, if your.... presenting his readers with these books negotiate for change with the parties concerned. rights for your neighbours. of poems. The Ministry of National Languages also After suffering many years of a war brought In the year 2009, by using his recently set up a hotline number 1956 which about by resentment and misunderstanding it is media for other or by being sensitive came into full effect early this year. So making important to understand the value of tolerance about the Tamil National Problem, an informal notification of complaint is a simple and appreciation of diversity that would help Wediwardana went into exile in order to save his life and in 2010 he presented matter of giving them a call on that number make Sri Lanka the beautiful and harmonious his creation “Marthukawak Nathi during office hours, but of course in all these nation that it has the potential of becoming, and Marthruboomiyak’ also known as cases it is important to name a respondent or these are some of the small contributions you ‘Demala Kavi.’ responsible official from the institution where can make towards that goal. In 2011 he presented to his readers the issue was identified, who can answer to (Ceylon Today 20 Sept 2014) his second book of poems while in your complaint, and also to follow up whether 14 Vibhasha 2013 December – January Vibhasha 2013 December – January 15

Jahan. The Ezhuma Media Foundation Important Contacts Readers Responses Readersm% ;s Responses pd r m% ;s pdReaders r m% Responses ;s pd r states that this Tamil translation will be launched in April in London and Official Languages simultaneously launched in Norway; it Commission A special Grand Finals of the Debate Competition on is also expected to be launched in May magazine in Canada and Switzerland. C/O Ministry of Bilingualism, for selected Schools from the At the moment, copies of this book National Languages and Rajitha Abeysekara - Mirigama produced by the printers are available at Social Integration Vibhasha is a special magazine North the Discovery Book Palace (Pvt) Ltd as No. 40. Buthgamuwa Road, about language that had been created The North Region invited schools bilingual competition commences on 31st October on the Hindu stated by that company. Rajagiriya, Sri Lanka. recently. A great effort is being made Vidyalaya in Jaffna. Repliying to questions by Vibasha, Mr Abeykoon, the media secretary of the National The state of language policy was Website http://lanintegmin. to give information about bilingualism Languages Commission, said that the invited schools debating competition which was started with the goal discussed in the time of the chief guest gov.lk to the people of this country. It is of showing the future student population of this country, the value of the attitude of building bilingual ism. the honorable, Minister of National seen that the Vibhasha magazine Is Languages and Social Integration Mr He stated that the final competition of the North Region invited schools debating competition will be held HOTLINE 1956 supporting the enhancement of the A motherland without a Vasudeva Nanayakkara, and it was on the 4th and 5th of December while arrangements had been made to had been made to hold the main Sinhala, Tamil and English languages. awards and gift presenting ceremony in December. noted that several work programmes Human Rights Commission title, or Tamil poems about the implementation of the state The minister of the National Language and social Integreation Ministry,, Mr Vasudeva Nanayakkara languages policy had been held recently. HRCSL - Head Office and other V.I.P.s are scheduled to present during this occasion. Primarily these work programmes No. 165 Kynsey Road, It should be made The media secretary further stated that while the main awards ceremony of the schools debating become Tamil. had been held on 2013.07.31 in Borella, Colombo 8 more popular competition is scheduled to be held in the Kailasapathi Hall of the University of Jafna various cultured and Anuradhapura, East Kandy district, and Tel : 9411-2694925, 9411- other work programmes will be prepared by the North Region school students during this ceremony. in the Kahatagasthigiliya DS Division Sheila Gunawardena The publishing companyexile, namely ‘Ahala amathuma kata 2685980 Sandamali Seneviratne. Ezhuna Media Foundation states arahemi’ Another was held on 2013.06.27 in Fax : 09411- 2694924 Wellampitiya Trincomalee, in the Kadawathasathra that the Tamil translation of “This is an extremely important The facts included in Vibhasha and Kanatalai DS Division. the book “Mathrukawak neth moment, myself, I questioned using HOTLINE 1996 are very important to people like us the language that I write, the Sinhala The main goal of the work Two New Books from mathruboomiya” ‘a Motherland programmes was to inform the offices who appreciate the language. I feel conscience. By enabling Tamil society Consumer Affairs that the number of letters that appear S. Godage publishers have launched a book ‘Demala Nisottasaya or Madana Karmaraja Katha,’ without a topic’ or a magazine to read how I questioned the Sinahla in the government officers within Authority in the magazine are few. It is great if and another book ‘Mahadanamuththa or Paramaratha Guru’ written by Professor Sunil Ariyarathne. of Tamil poems which had been conscience will be a motivating factor the relevant Pradeshiya Secretariat launched in 2010 by Manjula to pave way for future politics,” says section about the language policy Consumer Affairs Authority it branches more and the number of Madana Karma Raja Katha is a series of stories which are immensely popular in Tamil culture. Wediwardana, will be launched in Manjula Wediwardana. and also to discuss how the language 1st & 2nd floor, CWE pages is increased by even a few. These stories have been related according to the form and context of the famous series of stories April in London. The book of poems ‘Marthukawak policy is being implemented in these Secretariet Building The Vibasha magazine is not ‘Arabian Nights Entertainment’. A spokesman for the Media Nathi Marthrubumiya’ written by establishments. Information had been 27,Vauxhall Street spread much among people. The From the stories in practice it can be realized how much Sinhala culture and Tamil culture Foundation which is based in the Manjula Wediwardana who is an author given here about the language section Colombo 02 population can get a good knowledge had mutually integrated. We are very familiar with Mahadanumuthta’s stories. (A Sri Lankan United Kingdom said "We need to walk as well as a Media personality, is the first of the Ministry of Social Integration Fax: (011) 2399148 about bilingualism if people can Nazruddhin Hoja styled wise-guy character) The reader can understand the closeness between the with progressive Sinhala people. At book of poems that had been translated and other connected establishments http://www.caa.gov.lk obtain a copy from the market. Sinhala mahadanamuththa and the Tamil mahadanamuththa. this moment, we are really happy that as a whole book from the Sinhala such as the National Languages a book of Sinhala poems have been language to the Tamil Language. department, National Languages Vibhasha Newsletter translated into the Tamil languages It had been translated into the Commission, National language on Language Rights and we have been able to publish it. Tamil language by two highly talented education and training Institution and C/o Lionel Guruge A good reply Board of Trade being informed on Official We believe that there will be discourse translators, M. Rishan and Fahima their duties and responsibilities. 105 Fifth Lane about this among Tamil Poems. In Colombo 3 to the lack of Language Policy the future we hope to introduce more knowledge about The Official languages board has taken steps to inform all manufacturing and goods manufacturing Sinhala literary works to the Tamil from page 7 institutes in this country to implement the Official languages policy. The chairman of the Official Languages reader, and to introduce Tamil literacy Recourse, if your.... culture Commisiion Mr Nimal R Ranawaka says that the goal of this work programme is to inform the marketing board works to the Sinhala reader. We belive Sasvindu Bandara - Piliyandela. including all institutions in the manufacturing industry to take steps to publish all information about these that this course of action will be the first institution such as a library or government your complaint has been acted on. Its also goods according to the Official languages policy. institution, public cemetery or place of important to exercise your civic rights and The war was there for the last 30 step towards a new culture.’ He further Mr Nimal A Ranawaka further stated that at the start of the next year, the Official Languages Commission worship one can submit a notice to the Official notify such institutions on instances where you years. At present, the ethnic problem stated. In 1997, Manjula together with in this country has escalated. Still the together with the presidential Task Force hopes to give information about the bilingual policy of the new offices. share Macelvi launched his first book Languages Commission or even the Human see language rights being violated, because as people in this country live, trying to of poems ‘Niruththara Samadhiya’ and Rights Commission so as to discuss with with the examples above, although you may not also launched ‘Pilihuduwi’ in 2002, the responsible parties for translations to be personally be affected by such a situation, it may divide this country saying this country Write to us.. and ‘madusadhiri maduwitha’ in 2008, provided. This is of course after first trying to cause suffering and violation of basic human is Sinhala, this country is Tamil. The Language policy of Sri Lanka is a controversial Recourse, if your.... presenting his readers with these books negotiate for change with the parties concerned. rights for your neighbours. reason for this is the lack of knowledge issue. Our aim through Vibhasha is to broaden of each other’s culture ethnicity. We further and to enrich this dialogue. We believe of poems. The Ministry of National Languages also After suffering many years of a war brought can see that there is an effort to spread your contribution in this respect is crucial. In the year 2009, by using his recently set up a hotline number 1956 which about by resentment and misunderstanding it is media for other or by being sensitive this knowledge through magazines Editor, came into full effect early this year. So making important to understand the value of tolerance about the Tamil National Problem, like Vibhasha. Send us your ideas, opinion and information. Vibhasha Newsletter, an informal notification of complaint is a simple and appreciation of diversity that would help Wediwardana went into exile in order Vibhasha news letter is open for all of you in the Centre for Policy It is great that the Trilingual Alternatives, to save his life and in 2010 he presented matter of giving them a call on that number make Sri Lanka the beautiful and harmonious debate on languages rights in this country. during office hours, but of course in all these nation that it has the potential of becoming, and magazine Vibasha is published and it 24/2, 28th Lane, his creation “Marthukawak Nathi supports even to a small extent, the Flower Road, Marthruboomiyak’ also known as cases it is important to name a respondent or these are some of the small contributions you Send us your ideas, response, problems mutual knowledge among the various Colombo 07. ‘Demala Kavi.’ responsible official from the institution where can make towards that goal. people in this country and enhance and proposals on language rights TP 0112 370801/4 In 2011 he presented to his readers the issue was identified, who can answer to (Ceylon Today 20 Sept 2014) Fax: 0112 370802 his second book of poems while in your complaint, and also to follow up whether their language. Language Rights – through the camera lens

Th e Vibhasha camera lens was able to capture with photographs, many 2013 December – January | Publication of C.P.A. || 2nd Volume 12th Issue instances in various government institutions in Colombo and in nearby places, showing how the languages policy of this country is violated Th e Vibhasha camera lens has shown continuously the need for the fi xing and maintaining street sign boards and other name boards Promoting the bilingual tradition according to language policy. During an inspection that we conducted at Bauddhaloka Mawatha, Colombo, at Town Hall, Colombo 13 and Th e signboard of this famous parking space that is controlled by the Hettiyawatte, these sign boards were captured, going against the offi cial at the Provincial Council level Colombo Municipal Council shows information only in English languages policy as shown below. An initiative from the Central and Northern P.C.s

Th ere is a fresh enthusiasm was the duty and responsibility implement a work programme in guidelines to implement a in the provincial councils these of Provincial Councils to order to do so. programme at Provincial Council days about the implementation implement the bilingual policy Central Province council level, to form a permanent of the bilingual policy. During in every division of the Central member Mr. M. Velu Kumar Committee to build national the special session that had been Province and to provide all approved this proposal. unity. held on the 11th November, at assistance and facilitation that is While there are many In order to gather the Central Provincial Councils, necessary for its implementation. problems concerning language information about this by Provincial Councilor, Mr. Provincial Councilor Mr. rights in the Central Province, telephone the eff ort to contact Sanjeewa Kavirathna, submitted Sanjeewa Kavirathna submitted the Minister stated his belief Mr. Shan Wijayalal, the Chief Th e signboard of the National Institute of Library and Information Similarly, the signboard of the Faculty of Management and a proposal giving attention to this proposal stating that special that solutions could be obtained Minister of the Southern Sciences of the University of Colombo is only in English. Finance is only in English the value of implementing the attention should be paid to by implementing this work Provincial Council had failed. bilingual method implement the bilingual policy programme. But it has been reported Th e Minister stated that it in the Central Province and to In February, a two day debate that the Ministry of National was fi xed. Languages and Social Integration Meanwhile the Southern had already sent guidelines to the Students who are Provincial Council also, Chief Minister of the Southern has recently appealed to the Provincial Council. receiving bilingual Ministry of National Language and Integration, to give them Sandamali Senevirathne education showing a high profi ciency

Th e sign board of the Faculty of Management and Science is only in Th e signboard of Faculty of Medicine University of Colombo and the passes with distinctions in English. School of Nursing Colombo are only in Sinhala and English. mathematics and science.

Th e Director of Education (Bilingual Education) Mr. Priyantha Nanayakkara states in a letter written to the web site of the Ministry of Education http://www.moe.gov.lk/web/images/stories/branchnews/ bilungual/bilinhu.pdf that students in Sri Lanka who are receiving bilingual education have shown a high aggregate in complex imaginative subjects such as mathematics and science, as shown in the pass analysis of the 2008-2011 General Certifi cate of Education (Ordinary level) examinations, that they had faced. Th is letter further states that, although the experiments done in connection with the programme in bilingual education were very few, some idea about the bilingual literacy of the students of our country who a receiving a bilingual education can be obtained from the analysis of Th is photograph shows Mr. Jagath Chamila a highly acclaimed actor examination results presenting a trophy to the best actor, in the Tamil Only Division, I. Imash Ali Th e signboard of the Meteorological Department has weather Signboard of the Institute of Neurology Colombo is shown only in Th is letter, which includes complete results, is published in page 10 of information only in English. Sinhala a and English this Vibasha Publication. during the National Children’s Drama Festival that had been held in October.

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