[lg policy] Sri Lanka: Lack of proficiency hinders language policy implementation

[Harold Schiffman]

Lack of proficiency hinders language policy implementation



By Sandun A. Jayasekera

Constitutional Affairs and National Integration Minister D.E.W.
Gunasekara lamented yesterday that there was a shortage of 300,000
officers in the public service with proficiency in a second language
to implement the official language policy. In the public service -
excluding the armed forces – the percentage proficient in a second
language in the Central Government is on average 6 and the level of
Provincial Councils and Local Government is on average 16% which is a
serious drawback to implement the official language policy enshrined
in the statute book. Secondly it is of utmost importance to be
proficient in a second language to create understanding and communal
harmony among the communities, Minister Gunasekara said yesterday.

“A series of steps have been taken for the speedy and effective
implementation of the Official Language Policy in the public service
by my Ministry by way of lump sum payments and salary increments,
making the second language compulsory for new recruits; classes at
every state institution to teach a second language and the
establishment of a National Institute of Language Education and
Training at Agalawatte are some of them,” he told the Daily Mirror.

“We have also taken a decision to appoint ‘Official Languages
Implementation Officers’ (OLIO) at each and every public institution
to ensure the full implementation of the official language policy. The
OLIO is responsible for the proper implementation of the official
language policy at Public, Provincial Councils and Local Government
institutions,” Minister Gunasekara stressed.

http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=62900

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