• How English became a status symbol 

Part of Sri Lanka’s beauty is its diversity, from culture to food to fashion to language. Many of us have a language preference. Whether we speak one language or are multilingual,many of us are often attached to the way we speak. 

“I’m very fond of all the languages in our beautiful country,” Ahmed Ismail, 31, said. “I speak three languages and I believe they are equally important.” 

Yet, many of our readers often noticed that they felt slighted as knowing English was expected. In order to explore their thoughts, The Daily Morning Brunch spoke to those of us with their own views. 

The professional language 

English has often been seen as the dominant language in most workplaces in our country. From corporate offices to customer-facing roles, fluency in English is frequently treated as a baseline requirement rather than a specialised skill.

“I’ve worked in multiple offices, and the expectation is always the same,” Dilini Perera,25, said. “Even if the work itself doesn’t require English, the communication does. Meetings, emails, presentations; it’s all in English.”

This expectation can create an uneven playing field. Those who are educated in English or who have had greater exposure to the language often find themselves at an advantage, not necessarily because of superior capability but because of ease of communication.

“For some of us, it’s not that we don’t understand English,” Toran Amarasekara,28, said. “It’s that we’re not as confident speaking it. That alone can affect how seriously people take you.”

In this sense, English operates as more than a tool but it becomes a gatekeeper. Fluency is often equated with competence, professionalism and even intelligence, reinforcing a hierarchy that extends beyond language itself.

A marker of class

Beyond the workplace, English has also evolved into a social marker. The way one speaks can influence how one is perceived in social settings, from casual conversations to formal gatherings.

“There’s definitely a shift in how people treat you,” Pasidu Subasinghe, 27, said “If you speak fluent English, people assume you’re educated, well-travelled, or from a certain background.”

This perception, while subtle, can shape interactions in significant ways. Those who are less fluent may feel the need to code-switch or avoid certain spaces altogether.

“I’ve seen people apologise before speaking English,”Ismail said. “That shouldn’t happen. Language shouldn’t make you feel inferior.”

The association between English and social mobility is not new. Rooted in colonial history, the language was once reserved for administration, education, and the elite. While the country has long since moved beyond colonial rule, these perceptions continue to persist in modern society.

Education and access

The education system plays a key role in reinforcing this dynamic. English education is often perceived as more prestigious and access to it can shape future opportunities.

“Parents go out of their way to put their children into International Schools” Nadeesha Silva, 35, said. “It’s seen as an investment in their future.”

However, this also highlights disparities. Not all students have equal access to quality English education, particularly in rural areas or under-resourced schools.

“It’s not just about learning the language,”Ismail said. “It’s about the environment. If you’re not exposed to it regularly, it becomes much harder to gain confidence.”

As a result, language proficiency becomes tied to privilege. Those with greater access to resources are better positioned to succeed in systems that prioritise English, further widening existing gaps.

Shifting perspectives

Despite these challenges, there is a growing awareness around the need to value all languages equally. Many individuals are beginning to question long-held assumptions about language and status.

“I think we’re slowly moving towards a more inclusive mindset,” Ismail said. “People are starting to recognise that intelligence and capability are not defined by the language you speak.”

Workplaces, too, are beginning to adapt. Some organisations are making efforts to incorporate multiple languages in internal communication, recognising the importance of inclusivity.

“It’s about creating spaces where everyone feels comfortable contributing,” Subhasinghe said. “Language shouldn’t be a barrier to being heard.”

Finding balance

English undeniably plays an important role in a globalised world. It facilitates international communication, opens up access to information and can create opportunities across borders.

However, the challenge lies in balancing its utility with a broader appreciation for linguistic diversity. Elevating English should not come at the expense of diminishing other languages.

“We should be proud of all our languages,” Ismail said. “They are part of who we are.”

As conversations around identity, access, and equality continue to evolve, so too does the role of language in shaping our society. Moving forward, the question remains not whether English should hold value, but whether it should define it.