The Ripple Effect of the Sinhala-Only Act

16 July 2025 01:29 am Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 2 Bookmark

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We should not hastily place blame on Minister Sunil Handunneththi for the widely criticised interview at the recent World Economic Forum. Like many of us, he is a product of a generation born after the 1940s, individuals who became unintentional victims of the ill-conceived “Sinhala-Only in 24 Hours” policy introduced by then-Prime Minister S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike in 1956.

Beyond planting the seeds of long-term ethnic discord, that policy also deeply undermined the quality of education for at least three generations. Minister Handunneththi, like many Sri Lankans, inherited the consequences of that decision.

While we stand in solidarity with him on this occasion, it would be prudent in the future to make use of a professional interpreter when representing our nation at prestigious global forums, especially where the world’s most distinguished leaders are gathered. Doing so would ensure that our message is delivered with clarity, precision, and the dignity Sri Lanka deserves on the world stage.

- Upali Weerasinghe

Comments - 2

B P Wednesday, 16 July 2025 08:13 AM

S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike’s policies uplifted a vast majority of Sri Lankans, enabling many to rise socially and economically. Contrary to popular misconceptions, neither he nor subsequent governments discontinued English education in schools. In fact, a significant number of Sri Lankans educated in Sinhala or Tamil mediums up to university entrance level have gone on to hold top positions abroad. It’s time to move beyond uninformed criticism of SWRD and recognize the broader impact of his reforms.

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Truth of the matter Wednesday, 16 July 2025 03:40 PM

After centuries of oppressive colonial rule, is it any wonder that the right to speak Sinhala became legalised? Where else can Sinhala be spoken, if not in Sri Lanka? We do not have states in India or anywhere else. If we don’t use it, we lose it and our cultural heritage!

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