President Maithripala Sirisena says language should be the voice of humanity, and should not be used to create division among people.
The president made this statement at an event held to celebrate All Island Tamil Language Day in Kandy on Sunday.
News1st was the media sponsor for the event.
President Maithripala Sirisena was the Chief Guest at the event held at Dharmaraja College in Kandy. Incidentally, this is the first time that a Head of State has graced the prize giving of the All Island Tamil Language Day celebration.
The President added that the right of every individual to conduct their affairs in their own language will be confirmed and strengthened, and it is the responsibility of every government to ensure the right of every individual to access education in their language.
He added that it is also the responsibility of every government to ensure that people are able to conduct administrative affairs in their own language – be it Sinhala or English or any other language – every government must ensure the right of every individual to conduct their affairs in their own language.
“We know that several decades ago, problems arose in our country with regard to the state language and national languages”, said the President who went on to note that sometimes, injustices are done to the people because of shortcomings in public administration. But there must never be conflict between groups of people who speak a different language and language should be the voice of humanity, pointed out the president.
“I wish to guarantee to you, that as a government, we will do everything to ensure that you are able to express your knowledge, your wisdom and intellect, in your own language”, vowed the president
He went on to add that when speaking with children from the North and inquiring in to problems they are facing, children ask for teachers to teach them Sinhala. And similarly, when children from the South are questioned as to what they wanted, they say they want teachers to teach them Tamil.
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