Govt takes steps to strengthen language equality

The Official Languages Commission has called upon the public to bring to its notice any instances of Government institutions violating the National Languages Policy.

In accordance with Chapter IV of the Constitution of Sri Lanka, any person or organisation can complain to the Official Languages Commission in case their language rights are violated by a public institution, Commission Secretary J.C. Ranepura said.

In this context, the National Languages and Social Integration Ministry has decided to erect nameboards of Government institutions, public places and public transport services in all three languages for the convenience of the public on a directive of Minister Vasudeva Nanayakkara. This program is already under way in several regions.

If there are any flaws or shortcomings in this program, the public can complain to the Official Languages Commission, Ranepura said. Both written and verbal complaints will be entertained.

Written complaints should be submitted to the Official Languages Commission, Fourth Floor, Languages House, 341/7, Kotte Road, Rajagiriya, e-mailed to [email protected] or faxed to 011-2871379. Verbal complaints should be directed to telephone number 011-2871378.

The Official Languages Commission will investigate these complaints and take appropriate legal action against the offenders, Ranepura said.

All citizens have equal rights to use their own preferred language for communications with public institutions, he noted.