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Official languages policy: Under scrutiny

13 Dec 2020

  • Cannot act against pvt. sector noncompliance: Official Languages Commission  
  • Focus primarily on state organisations and their material  
By Ravini Perera The official language policy in Sri Lanka is that both Sinhala and Tamil are to be acknowledged as the official and national languages and the same are to be utilised for the administrative activities under the purview of the State. Such a policy was mainly brought forth to recognise the rights of different ethnic groups living in the island and to improve the right of access to information, services, and institutions by all citizens.   Chapter IV of the Constitution of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka (1978) embodies the laws pertaining to language. As per this chapter, Sinhala was initially the only official language of the island. However, the subsequent 13th and 16th Amendments to the Constitution, made in 1987 and 1988 respectively, also made Tamil an official language and gave English the status of a link language.   Furthermore, Article 12(2) embodied in Chapter III of the Constitution highlights the right to language recognised as a part of the provisions on fundamental rights.    

The display of foreign languages in Sri Lanka

More recently, Sri Lanka has been experiencing a divergence from the traditional language policy, with foreign languages such as Mandarin and Arabic being visibly exhibited in public and used in administrative documentation, paving the way for backlash and controversy. The employment of Chinese nationals in Sri Lanka and the entertainment of Chinese tourists was the rationale put forth for the incorporation of Mandarin on signboards in addition to the official languages of the island. Even so, a basis was yet to be found for the use of Arabic in the Eastern Province, where Tamil is the language of administration. With the issue attracting immense publicity and many expressing opposition towards the move, the former Government took measures to ban all such public use of Arabic on signboards, especially road signs. However, with an increasing number of foreign language signage being displayed in the recent past despite public opposition, concerned individuals continue to seek justification on the reluctance of the authorities and the Government to speak out on the matter. While some submitted to the idea of such publications, others disagreed. The fear of losing the prominence given to official languages was questioned constantly by the parties that opposed it. Many shared the belief that Sri Lanka’s native languages must be given primacy.  

The influence of foreign languages over the official languages

When inquired about the influence foreign languages pose over the island’s official languages, Deshamanya Professor J.B. Disanayaka, a well-known personality and one of the leading professors of the Sinhala language, speaking to The Sunday Morning, emphasised that Sri Lanka has two official languages – Sinhala and Tamil. As such, citizens have the right to enjoy their native languages without any hindrance.  [caption id="attachment_108704" align="alignleft" width="233"] Prof J B Disanayake[/caption] Speaking further, the professor went on to say that while Tamil and Sinhalese are predominantly spoken, Tamil is seen to have also taken root in countries such as India and Malaysia, whereas Sinhala is spoken only in Sri Lanka. Hence it is important to preserve and protect the language.    Prof. Disanayaka acknowledged the allowance made for foreign languages to be displayed in public. However, he stressed that in doing so, the required protocol of Sri Lanka must be adhered to. “The world is moving towards an open market and becoming a global village which cannot be prevented. However, it is important for a child to first learn and prioritise his own language, and thereafter acquire knowledge on other languages of their choice,” Prof. Disanayaka said. The mere existence of an official language policy is fruitless unless a proper procedure is followed in its implementation. Speaking in this regard, he emphasised that with Sinhala and Tamil having been made official languages, it is now up to the people to ensure the implementation of this policy, since a policy merely being introduced through written law will not suffice. The policy must be duly executed to achieve the result the lawmakers envisioned. Any shortcomings in its implementation would inconvenience many individuals representing various communities, and generate bitter experiences.    

Cannot penalise pvt. institutions

The Official Languages Commission, established under the Official Languages Commission Act No. 18 of 1991, is the official body that attends to the monitoring and supervising of the compliance to the provisions contained in Chapter IV of the Constitution, whilst performing many other key functions. Official Languages Commission Chairman Attorney-at-Law D. Kalansooriya told The Sunday Morning that though all required actions are being taken to oversee the proper use of the official languages, giving prominence to the spirit and intent of the provisions of the Constitution, they cannot penalise private organisations for not complying with the policy.   He went on to add that they are mainly concerned about Government organisations and the material they publish. It is mandatory that they use all three languages – Sinhala, Tamil, and English – in their administrative activities. “Although such organisations are allowed to incorporate a foreign language in their signage should they so desire, it must be accompanied by the official languages of the country.” Commenting on the matter of Arabic being used in the Eastern Province, which gained publicity following the Easter Sunday attacks of 2019, he said: “No measures can be taken if such wordings are used by private organisations, but strict action will be taken against Government organisations violating the policy.” Kalansooriya further expressed that in exceptional instances where boards displaying foreign languages are used in public by Government organisations, complaints can be filed with the Commission, which will investigate them thoroughly and take necessary action to rectify the same.   When inquired about the investigation process, Kalansooriya confirmed that the Commission has the authority to act independently, as well as to look into complaints made by the public, thus calling for explanations from parties violating the policy.   There have been numerous occurrences where foreign languages, mainly Mandarin, were used at locations such as airports, railway stations, and construction sites, to cater to various foreign nationals who benefit from such published information. Although it was not well-received by the local community, who complained of foreign language signage boards, these arrangements are allowed only with the understanding that priority needs to be given to the national language policy, and that the foreign language used on such signage is followed by the official languages of Sri Lanka.   A similar basis is to be followed with regard to forms, applications, and various documentations, including instruction sheets printed out for the advantage of foreign nationals, where such foreign language must follow the official languages. Any complaints of violations of the above should be reported to the Official Languages Commission, where assurance is given that there will be no hesitation to investigate and take action, as they have done thus far.     

Tourism vs. official language policy

Tourism is a vital component of Sri Lanka’s economy. Prior to the industry coming to a standstill due to the global pandemic, Sri Lanka welcomed millions of tourists each year. Thus, many hotels and restaurants that accommodate such international guests most often tend to resort to signage with foreign languages to assist their customers.   The Sunday Morning reached out to The Hotels Association of Sri Lanka (THASL) President and Mount Lavinia Hotel Chairman Sanath Ukwatte to obtain his views on the matter.   To the question posed about the laws governing hotels and restaurants with regard to the necessity to comply with the official languages policy, Ukwatte responded: “There is no specific piece of legislation as such, and being considered a private establishment, it is completely up to the management to take action where needed to cater to the global clientele, while keeping with the policies of each hotel.”   Commenting on a picture of a signboard encompassing Mandarin alongside English displayed at the railway station in Mount Lavinia, which is currently trending on social media, Ukwatte stated that the specific signboard was installed mainly to benefit tourists; it was to be regarded as a tourist information board, and had been placed at the station in 2015. Displaying signage in foreign languages not only caters to the tourists who use public transport in Sri Lanka, but also assists the staff at such places to avoid any inconvenience they may encounter while attempting to direct foreign passengers, he noted. This practice helps provide a better service and serves to improve the tourism industry. He further stated that such boards exhibited at places such as railway stations are merely sponsored by hotels, and that signage containing the official languages of the island can also be found at these premises.   It is crucial to note how an issue as seemingly minor as language can hinder an individual’s daily life, access to services, and right to equality. Thus, commitment to ensuring the strict implementation and adherence to the language policy is required at a national level.  


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