[lg policy] UNDP and Minister of National Dialogue Partner to Promote Social Inclusion and IntegrationSri Lanka:

[Harold Schiffman]

 UNDP and Min of National Dialogue Partner to Promote Social Inclusion and
Integration Author LBO <http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/author/editor/>
Posted on June 17, 2016
<http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/undp-and-min-of-national-dialogue-partner-to-promote-social-inclusion-and-integration/>
| In Pictures
<http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/category/other/in-pictures/> [image:
UNDP]

*Second Language **Laboratory Declared Open **in Agalawatte*

A new language laboratory was ceremonially opened by the Hon. Minister of
National Co-Existence, Dialogue and Official Languages, Hon. Mano Ganesan
together with United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) at the National
Institute of Language Education and Training (NILET) in Agalawatte
yesterday.

The opening of this second laboratory is part of an effort to bridge the
existing language gap and support the implementation of the official
languages policy which will allow citizens to receive services from any
public institution in the language of one’s choice. This can also promote
wider dialogue in Sri Lanka, enhance the quality of public service delivery
to all citizens, and build social cohesion by bringing together previously
marginalized and excluded groups.

Having recognized the importance of supporting the Ministry of National
Co-Existence, Dialogue and Official Languages in implementing the language
policy of Sri Lanka, UNDP partnered with the Ministry to establish a
language laboratory at the Department of Official Languages in Rajagiriya –
which was declared open in March 2016 – and now, in Agalawatte. These
efforts come under UNDP’s ‘Strengthening Enforcement of Law, Access to
Justice and Social Integration (SELAJSI)’ Programme.

With an investment of an estimated LKR 10 million each, the new labs have
been equipped with state-of-the art language teaching equipment and
technology, which will facilitate more student-centered and interactive
teaching using some of the latest techniques and technology available for
language learning.

Speaking at the launch, Minister of National Co-Existence, Dialogue and
Official Languages, Hon. Mano Ganesan thanked UNDP for its support and
stated *“Multiculturalism and pluralism is not a weakness but a strength to
our country. My goal is to establish 16 language laboratories across Sri
Lanka. On a journey to realize this and achieve national co-existence, I
thank the UNDP for their assistance”*

Also addressing the gathering, Resident Representative a.i.. of UNDP Sri
Lanka, Ms, Lovita Ramguttee stated *“UNDP is encouraged by the continued
emphasis placed by the Government of Sri Lanka on the implementation of the
Official Languages Policy. We strongly believe this support contributes
towards further strengthening the institutional capacity of the Department
of Official Languages enabling it to almost double its intake of current
students thus supporting Sri Lanka in working towards Sustainable
Development Goal 16 which focuses upon promoting peaceful and inclusive
societies for sustainable development, providing access to justice for all
and building effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all
levels.”*

Other speakers including the Secretary to the Ministry of National
Co-existence, Dialogue and Official Languages, Mr. Vajira Narampawana
echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the importance language plays in
promoting social inclusion in Sri Lanka.

http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/undp-and-min-of-national-dialogue-partner-to-promote-social-inclusion-and-integration/


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