Language learning can build co-existence – Ruwan

8 May 2015 05:22 pm - 13 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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The language problem in Sri Lanka was one of the main reasons for the 30-year war, and Sinhalese and Tamils should learn each other’s language to build co-existence between the two races, State Minister of Defence Ruwan Wijewardene said today.

The minister expressed these views at the Security Forces Headquarters in Jaffna while presenting certificates to 320 members of the armed forces who had completed a Tamil language course.

He said the security forces and Sinhala society would be able to win over the Tamil people through language.

Mr. Wijewardene noted there was a need to further study Tamil language and use new technology and procedures in teaching Tamil. He added that there was a need to enhance the teaching of languages in order to achieve peace and co-existence.

The ignorance of the Sinhala and Tamil languages by the people in the North and South had created a distance between the two races, and had served as an advantage to extremists among both races, he said.

The government also wanted to further develop the skills of the security forces while ensuring the protection of the country. He said the government wanted to solve the economic and the social problems the country is faced with.

Public Administration Minster Karu Jayasuriya, Chairman of the Institute of National Language Studies and Training Palitha Hewamudali, Jaffna Security Forces Commander Maj. Gen. Nanda Udawatta, Mullaitivu Security Forces Commander Maj. Gen. Jagath Dias and several security forces officers also participated at the event.

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Comments - 13

Suddha Saturday, 09 May 2015 08:01 AM

How about english only helps internationaly via DM Android App

Mailmen Saturday, 09 May 2015 08:47 AM

These are progessive steps for coexistance. via DM Android App

Shan Saturday, 09 May 2015 09:06 AM

Learning a language is always good. It bridges cultures together. Sinhala, Tamil and English should be part of the syllabus and taught from grade one. I wish that I had a chance to learn Sinhala during my school days. Thank you Honorable Minister.

kuthbuddin Saturday, 09 May 2015 09:58 AM

its compulsory that you must learn at least 3 languages to communicate with each other and gain more knowledge in this world.

Kayilay Thiruchelvam Saturday, 09 May 2015 01:05 PM

Great idea and should be implemented as soon as possible. I am 70 years old. The biggest mistake in my life is not to grasp the Sinhala language.

ranga Saturday, 09 May 2015 01:47 PM

what are we waiting formake learning and speaking Sinhala mandatory... via DM Android App

Nims Saturday, 09 May 2015 03:10 PM

Yeh, we learned a lot from Mahendran the Bank robber.

Ach-cha-ru Saturday, 09 May 2015 03:13 PM

Sir this is a suggestion. How about adding general law as a subject to school children. I hope this will help to minimize lot of present issues. via DM Android App

raj Sunday, 10 May 2015 02:49 AM

why not make a legislation to require future president and prime minister to be bilingual like in Canada.

Yuri Sunday, 10 May 2015 09:22 AM

If we Practice all what exist , 50% of the problem will be solved. Write Bus boards in correct spelling in Tamil Singhala English. write street sign and other Public.

ro Sunday, 10 May 2015 11:01 AM

The war was not because of a language problem. It was a terrorist act! This is what happens when inexperienced people become ministers. The biggest problem we have is lack of morals among people.

sorry.com Sunday, 10 May 2015 11:06 AM

This is the problem with these pimps. People talk something which is beneficial for everyone but these lunatics say something out of subject.

nazri Monday, 11 May 2015 10:47 AM

These are the type of people we need to be ministers for the well being of sri lanka

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Language learning can build co-existence – Ruwan

Comments - 13

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