Promoting the bilingual tradition at the Provincial Council level
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2013 December – January | Publication of C.P.A. | 2nd Volume | 12th Issue
Promoting the bilingual tradition
at the Provincial Council level
An initiative from the Central and Northern P.C.s
There is a fresh enthusiasm was the duty and responsibility implement a work programme in guidelines to implement a
in the provincial councils these of Provincial Councils to order to do so. programme at Provincial Council
days about the implementation implement the bilingual policy Central Province council level, to form a permanent
of the bilingual policy. During in every division of the Central member Mr. M. Velu Kumar Committee to build national
the special session that had been Province and to provide all approved this proposal. unity.
held on the 11th November, at assistance and facilitation that is While there are many In order to gather
the Central Provincial Councils, necessary for its implementation. problems concerning language information about this by
Provincial Councilor, Mr. Provincial Councilor Mr. rights in the Central Province, telephone the effort to contact
Sanjeewa Kavirathna, submitted Sanjeewa Kavirathna submitted the Minister stated his belief Mr. Shan Wijayalal, the Chief
a proposal giving attention to this proposal stating that special that solutions could be obtained Minister of the Southern
the value of implementing the attention should be paid to by implementing this work Provincial Council had failed.
bilingual method implement the bilingual policy programme. But it has been reported
The Minister stated that it in the Central Province and to In February, a two day debate that the Ministry of National
was fixed. Languages and Social Integration
Meanwhile the Southern had already sent guidelines to the
Students who are Provincial Council also,
has recently appealed to the
Chief Minister of the Southern
Provincial Council.
receiving bilingual Ministry of National Language
and Integration, to give them Sandamali Senevirathne
education showing
a high proficiency
passes with distinctions in
mathematics and science.
The Director of Education (Bilingual Education) Mr. Priyantha
Nanayakkara states in a letter written to the web site of the Ministry of
Education http://www.moe.gov.lk/web/images/stories/branchnews/
bilungual/bilinhu.pdf
that students in Sri Lanka who are receiving bilingual education
have shown a high aggregate in complex imaginative subjects such as
mathematics and science, as shown in the pass analysis of the 2008-2011
General Certificate of Education (Ordinary level) examinations, that they
had faced.
This letter further states that, although the experiments done in
connection with the programme in bilingual education were very few,
some idea about the bilingual literacy of the students of our country who
a receiving a bilingual education can be obtained from the analysis of This photograph shows Mr. Jagath Chamila a highly acclaimed actor
examination results
presenting a trophy to the best actor, in the Tamil Only Division, I. Imash Ali
This letter, which includes complete results, is published in page 10 of
this Vibasha Publication. during the National Children’s Drama Festival that had been held in October.
2 Vibhasha 2013
Vibhasha 2013 December
December –– January
January
Tamil Language training for new doctors to solve
language problems in hospital.
From the end of December, Chairman of the Government He further stated that the different types of choices in
arrangements have been made Medical Officers Association, residential training programme the treatment of the patients,
to train new doctors passing Dr A. Padeniya. that is currently being which are also dealt with in this
out from state universities “At present, there is a great implemented will continue programme.
throughout the island, to problem about communication without a break until the end of “This programme is only
converse in Tamil with their among the majority of doctors December. available for a selected number
patients. in being unable to hold a “The first work programme of doctors. They will in turn
The first batch of doctors conversation with their patients has been very successful and we teach the newly qualified
had already obtained this in the Tamil Language. In hope that all doctors will speak doctors. In a few weeks’ time,
residential training last week order to face this problem, the the second national language there will be a work programme,
during a ten day training in assistance of the Department fluently by December,” he said. to train new doctors in
Agalawatte. of Health, the National Parallel to training in Tamil enhancing the above talents in
Sixty five newly qualified Languages Department, and the language, the Government every region, and by this, the
doctors will be taking part in Government Medical Officers’ Medical Officers Association patient will receive a beneficial
the next work programme. Association with the help of the deals with listening skills, protection and a better doctor/
“Our aim is to train more than World Health Organization has building trust with the patient, patient relationship will be
1000 doctors. In this way in commenced a Tamil Language communication skills and established,”said Dr. Padeniya.
medical clinics throughout the training work programme enhancing the availability of
island, doctors will be able to for newly qualified doctors
communicate with their patients
in the Tamil Language,” says the
throughout the island,”stated Dr.
Padeniya. Notices in the Kuruwita
Prison are only in Sinhala.
North Attidiya and In Kuruwita Prison, Ratnapura all notices are in Sinhala. There
Colombo Language are a lot of Tamil and Muslim visitors, mainly women and elders
who come to visit prisoners coming from very far away and it takes
Societies more interested. about half day to come here and another 2 hours to get through the
entry procedures, and if you miss the times between 9-12 you have
to stay till 2.30 and if you miss coming by 4pm you will be turned
Languages Societies were established for the 541 GN Division of the back. Also you are not allowed to bring food; you have to buy it from
Ratmalana Divisional Secretariat and the Attidiya North Division, on the 9th. this canteen which is put up by a prison official. The guards say you
The officials who established the language societies told the Vibasha can’t bring food from outside. All this information is only in Sinhala
Publication that, under the second step of establishing the languages societies, causing suffering to visitors who come from far away and dont know
in the Colombo District, the establishment of languages societies is continuing. about this. Some people have to take back the food they bring and
further and also said that people were showing a special interest in it. Mrs. some have to go back because they missed the closing time by a few
Priyangika Thushari and Mrs. Sevvandi Perera of the Mt. Lavinia Divisional minutes. (Ceylon Today)
Secretariat Office had organized a “Dharmarama Language Society,” recognizing
the group of people in this region who had shown a special interest in learning
the Tamil Language. Official Language Policy analysed.
Meanwhile, Mr. Sameera Kalum had organized a “Sadisi Language Society”
in Attidiya North. The Official Languages Commission has decided to implement
the Official Languages Policy in manufacturing and service
institutions.
A lack of Tamil Language The Chairman of the Official Languages Commission Mr. Nimal
Teachers for Pavakkulam R. Ranawaka stated that, under this, steps had been taken to notify
the associations of the manufacturing sector including the Chamber
Tamil Vidyalaya. of Commerce
He stated that the goal of this workshop is that all information
The students of Pavakkulam Track 7 Primary School in the Pavakkulam about all manufactured goods have to be published according to the
Track 7 Village in the South Vavuniya DS area are facing great difficulties as Official Languages Policy.
there is no teacher to teach them the Tamil Language.
The Chairman of the Commission further stated that by the
Mr. G.S. Gunasekera, the Principal of this Vidyalaya said that he had first week of November a work programme will commence by the
notified the Zonal Education Office about inequalities prevailing among the Official Languages Commission about the Trilingual Policy,along
teachers and the problems that are present among them, but no action had been with the Presidential Task Force.
taken by the relevant officers yet.
Vibhasha 2013 December – January 3
The best Thakshila Prathamika
children’s drama in Vidyalaya, Horana was
the Sinhala Only chosen as the best child
section, was from actress in the English
the Vidyaratna category in the drama
Education Faculty “Goldi And The Bears”
of Horana, and Dulshani Amanda
G.P. Subashana Wickramarachchi who
Kuruglalge’s “Parta performed in the drama
Thunai, Ekama “Win With Windy” in the
Malai” drama, open English category, V.
and in the open Sathurthika who performed
section, from the in the drama “Peththamma”
Subarathi Madya in the Tamil limited
Maha Vidyalaya, category and K. Oviya who
K. Mithraratna performed in the drama
Language Diversity In the and Indika
Nilmini Sirisena
“Vaalvum Vaalvum,” in
the Tamil open category,
State Children’s Arachchi’s “Kiri
Pani Paalama,”
received the best actress
awards in the state children’s
Drama Festival should be children’s drama
was also chosen as
drama festival which had
been held the 17th time.
the best children’s Meanwhile, R.M.M.
appreciated. drama.
In the state
Supipi Mediwela of
Royal National School,
children’s festival, Moneragala, who performed
...and should be further continued. Sakina Jusar in the drama “Rankaasi
of the Lyceum Wessa” in the Sinhala
International limited category, and Anjana
This was an opportunity School, Wattala, was chosen Charithani Jayalatha who
The State Children’s
for about 53 dramas to be as the best actor in the performed in the children’s
Drama festival which had
held in the final rounds, as limited English category. drama “Walas Gedera Giya
completed 17 years upto
a large number of scripts in M.D.C. Hasanka who Mashas” in the Sinhala open
2013 was successfully held
various languages medias performed in the drama “A category, received honours.
this year too. This year, 28
had been received by the Wonderful Gift For Bob” in Also this time, during
Sinhala dramas, 13 Tamil
drama festival island wide. the open English category, I. the State Children’s
dramas and 12 English
The honours given to the Imash Ali who performed in Drama Festival, awards
dramas were staged. Among
best children’s dramas in the “Karannan Vittu Karadiyum were presented for Best
these were four dramas
limited section and the open (Rabbit)” in the limited Drama Script, Best Drama
nominated by special
section were as follows. Tamil category, John Paul Production, Best Music
invitation
In the English Only Cluoos who performed in Produced, Best Dialogue,
While 57 dramas had
category, from the Lyceum the Tamil Open category in Best Costumes, Best Stage
been staged, demonstrating
International School, “Sin Uththin Muyatchchi Backdrop, Best Stage
the hopes and expectations
Watsala Sudarshana (Lion)" received awards. Direction, and Best State
of future generations in this
Bandara’s “We make it A. LakkanthaVibanga Lighting in all categories.
country ; also hearteningly
better” drama and in Abeywickrama, from It has been generally
the extent of language
the open section the Vidyaratna Medical Facuilty, observed in the Drama
diversity observed should be
best drama was Rohitha Horana, who performed Festival, that although
appreciated.
Jayakody’s “A Wonderful as “Loku Malli” in the the level of variety in
By performing children’s
Gift For Bob” drama. The children’s drama “Parta the languages were
dramas in Sinhala, Tamil
best children’s drama in Thunai, Ekama Malai”in the commendable, presentations
and English on the same
the Tamil limited section Sinhala limited category and in the Tamil category should
stage, the audience was
was M.J.S. Amarasinghe’s Jeevantha Jayasinghe who be further strengthened. If
given an opportunity to
“Karannan VittuKaradiyum” performed as “Dhanu” in attention could be paid to
see equally, the languages
and in the open section the children’s drama “Vatina these facts in the future,
and the cultural forms of
M. Kalidasa’s and Manisha Kenek Mung” also received this drama festival will be
children’s dramas; this is a
Dukgannaralage’s “Sin Uthin awards as best actors. more fruitful socially and
cultural programme that
Muyatchchi,” drama was M.D.P. Samadhi culturally.
should be popularized and
promoted. chosen as the best drama. Wickramarathna from Sandamali Senevirathne
4 Vibhasha 2013 December – January
relocated to Geli Oya in particular those
and worked at a teaching that women faced, in
post at Zahira Vidyalaya connection with the
in Gampola, until she magazine “Nee Pori
retired. The literary Mangai”.
life of Naima Siddik Naima Siddik was
commenced during her honoured during the Up
stay in Gelioya. Country literary festival
During her stay in 1986 and in the Uva
in Haputale, as she Province (her birthplace)
was a reporter in in 1994 appreciating
Information about the great the Chinthamani her literary and social
writers who lit the lamp of Newspaper, she had services.
friendship for facilitation of connections with Tamil
great writers, was published Apart from this,
newspapers. Renewing she was also honoured
in the previous issue.
Lighting lamps in these connections she
began writing short
in 2002, during the
The appreciation this time is International Islamic
of the writer Naima Siddik. appreciation of great stories and poems to Literary Festival.
those newspapers.
authors. Her first novel was
During the same year she
was honoured with the
Naima Siddik
“Vaalaika Padangu.”Later Kala Booshana Gaurawa
she published several honorary Title.
short story magazines. While being a
Collected short stories dedicated mother to
Among the 2013 entered the Passara who go to work. Later were published as three daughters, she
facilitation of great Central Collage. Before Naima, who became “Vaalaika Suwadugal,” continued her literary
writers was Naima beginning to write the Secretary of Abdul “Vaalaika Vannangal,” work even after retiring
Siddik. Other than being she began with social Azis’s Democratic Estate and “Vaalaika from teaching. A
a writer, she fulfilled services. Workers Congress, Veleyvugal.” veteran translator,
great service as a teacher devoted her time to She has an important Upali Leelarathna has
While being a
and as an activist in solving the problems of place in the field of Tamil translated Naima’s
student she opened
Trade Unions. Naima the workers. During this literature, as someone “Vaalaika Suwadugal,”
a small school in a
Siddik who was born in time, she obtained a post focusing specially on the short story book into a
building owned by
Haputale in the Badulla as a teacher. That was to many problems that the Sinhala edition “Jeevana
her father, who was a
District, had her primary the Kahagolla Muslim Muslim people face in Piya Satahan,” and
businessman, and taught
education in the village College. their lives. during the facilitation
children of poverty
and was successful in the stricken estate labourers. While being in the festival it was launched.
scholarship examination She wrote many
teaching profession, she letters and essays Kamal Perera
after which she entered She also took steps
passed the Teaching about her race and Secretary,
the Kathankudi Madya to establish a night
Diploma examination. the many common Sinhala Tamil Co
Vidyalaya. Later, she school to teach people
After her marriage she social problems, and operative
The National Association of Sri Lankan Writers expands
Steps have been taken to has already covered the The Minister of Culture required from the authors to
strengthen the membership administrative districts of the and Arts, Mr. T.B. Ekanayake create a country which has a
registry of the National island and had commenced stated recently at the Authors’ National Association of Sri
Association of Sri Lankan establishing district Executive Committee that Lankan Writers. He said that
Writers. level registration of the the National Association he greatly appreciates the
organization. of Sri Lankan Writers was assistance that is already being
According to this, authors
going to be incorporated by a given by the generation of
belonging to different ethnic The National Association
Parliamentary Act. authors of this country.
groups such as Sinhala, Tamil which was established by a
and Muslim are already being Parliamentary Act, has begun The minister stated that An appeal is sent to
formally included in a registry a number of long and short he had given instructions the authors who are living
of names. term activities, including to the relevant officers to everywhere in this country
the setting up of a Centre make a draft, for the act to let these facts be spread
The National Association
in the capital, to encourage and to present it to the legal by joining the National
of Sri Lankan Writers which
the progress of authors and department for approval, Association of Sri Lankan
had been established recently,
literature. and that a great assistance is writers.Vibhasha 2013 December – January 5
National Trilingual Work Programme
and its implementation 4th Part
(From
(From the
the previous
previous issue)
issue)
the
the economic
economic
difficulties
difficulties thatthat
the
the middle
middle
class
class was
was
facing.
facing.
It
It was
was
definitely
definitely not not
primarily
primarily aa conflict
conflict
from
from the the grassroots,
grassroots,
between
between the the Sinhala
Sinhala
and
and Tamil
Tamil citizens.
citizens. 2022?
2022? language
language away away fromfrom thethe deep
deep
Consider
Consider aa statement
statement Today
Today the the extent
extent of of the
the dangers
dangers of knowledge” (the
of knowledge” (the
that
that a veteran educationalist
a veteran educationalist Mr. Mr. knowledge
knowledge of of the
the English
English translation
translation is is ours)
ours) is is another
another
J.R.
J.R. Jayasuriya
Jayasuriya has has made
made in in our
our Language
Language among among the the general
general goal
goal ofof the
the implementation
implementation of of the
the
“An country
country in in the
the 1950’s population
population is is limited
limited to to saying trilingual
trilingual policy”.
“An example
example of of conflicts
conflicts 1950’s saying policy”.
relating ‘Generally,
‘Generally, therethere is is no “Good
“Good Morning” in the morning.
Morning” in the We
We should
should “know”
“know” what
relating to to languages
languages which which no morning. what
had entrenched
entrenched hatred between the
hatred between Sometimes
Sometimes ifif the the question
question “How “knowledge”
“knowledge” is. is. For
For example,
example, the
had taken
taken placeplace in in collision
collision the “How the
prone Sinhala
Sinhala and and Tamil
Tamil peoples.
peoples. Very are
are you?”
you?” is is asked
asked fromfrom one mobile
mobile telephone
telephone that that isis used
used to
prone regions
regions in in Belgium
Belgium and and Very one to
Canada often
often they
they live
live amicably
amicably without person
person among among them, them, he he is
is capable aa certain
certain extent
extent is is being
being usedused as
Canada may may be be due
due toto incorrect
incorrect without capable as
implementation any
any conflict.
conflict.”” of
of replying
replying “fine”. life
life skills,
skills, by by people
people who who cannot
implementation of of languages”
languages” “fine”. cannot
says The
The “vision”
“vision” of of the
the draft Is
Is itit this
this skill
skill (until
(until nownow only speak
speak or or write
write Sinhala,
Sinhala, let let alone
says the professor. As
the professor. As wewe have
have draft only alone
stated states
states that
that “Sri
“Sri Lanka
Lanka should
should be about
about 1%) that is expected of
1%) that is expected English.
stated this
this belief
belief earlier,
earlier, the
the be of English.
following aa trilingual
trilingual nation
nation within
within the aa trilingual
trilingual society?
society? Is Is this
this also This
This is is not
not duedue aa Ten
Ten Year
following is is an
an extract
extract from
from thethe the also Year
speech next
next tenten years."
years." (The (The translation the
the Sinhala,
Sinhala, Tamil Tamil language
language skill National
National implementation
implementation or
speech given by a member of
given by a member of our
our translation skill or
experimental is
is ours.Pg
ours.Pg 20).20). TheThe same
same fact that
that is is expected
expected from from aa person aa special
special training.
training. It It is
is aa skill
experimental team. team. fact person skill
“Somalia was
was stated
stated inin the
the speech
speech by who
who does does not not speak
speak Sinhala developed
developed due due to to necessity
necessity and
“Somalia is is aa country
country which
which by Sinhala and
has Mr.
Mr. Fernando
Fernando and and Professor and
and from
from aa person
person who who does experience
experience in in usage.
has one language and
one language and one
one Professor does usage.
religion. Dharmadasa
Dharmadasa who who interpreted
interpreted this not
not speak
speak Tamil?Tamil? TodayToday there 2009
2009 was was declared
declared to to bebe aa
religion. Yet Yet aa large
large number
number of of this there
people similarly
similarly in in his
his letter. are
are job
job application
application forms forms that year of English (and Information
people have have divided
divided themselves
themselves letter. that year of English (and Information
into The
The entire
entire population
population should are
are printed
printed in in English
English available Technology.)
Technology.) Already Already one one year
into small
small groups
groups and and they
they are
are should available year
fighting be
be proficient
proficient in in the
the English in
in the
the open
open market.
market. The The job has
has lapsed
lapsed fromfrom the the trilingual
fighting among themselves. Due
among themselves. Due English job trilingual
to Language
Language by by 2021-2.
2021-2. At At the
the time applicant
applicant has only to give
has only to give his time
time limit.
to this
this reason,
reason, therethere is is no
no stable
stable time his limit.
government of
of writing (Poson Poya Day 2012)
writing (Poson Poya Day name,
name, addressaddress and and identity
identity card According
According to to this
this scheme
government in in the
the country”.
country”. (This
(This 2012) card scheme
is the
the television
television is is showing
showing scenes number
number to to an
an English
English based the
the general
general population
population is is in
in the
is our brief translated extract)
our brief translated extract) scenes based the
We of
of aa large
large population,
population, toddlers, computer
computer programme programme and and get same
same place
place as as in
in 2009
2009 as as itit was
We cancan obtain
obtain aa very
very recent
recent toddlers, get was
example children,
children, young
young men, men, young his application form completed. in
in June
June 2011.
2011. So So we
we can
can seesee asas aa
example from from the the Middle
Middle East.
East. young his application form completed.
Severe women,
women, elderly laymen and
elderly laymen What
What is is the
the point,
point, ifif this
this life
life skill public
public declaration
declaration but but not
not much
Severe conflicts
conflicts are are observed
observed and skill much
still laywomen,
laywomen, who who are are engaged
engaged in is
is limited
limited only only to to aa few? else.
else. Anyone
Anyone can can see
see and
and travel
still in
in the
the Arab
Arab countries
countries in few? travel
where religious
religious activities
activities crowding
crowding near AA job
job applicant
applicant shouldshould gain in
in the expressway that had
the expressway that had been
where divisions
divisions had had been
been made
made near gain been
sometimes the
the Ruwan
Ruwan Weli Weli Seya. the
the English
English proficiency
proficiency to to discuss opened
opened by by His
His Excellency
Excellency the
sometimes due due to to religions
religions andand Seya. discuss the
sects Actually,
Actually, can can anyone the
the facts
facts thatthat are
are shown
shown in in the
the job President
President and and appreciate
appreciate it. it. It
It is
is aa
sects butbut there
there are are nono divisions
divisions anyone job
due believe
believe that
that the
the Tri-lingual application form. marvelous programme. But what
due to to language.
language. Tri-lingual application form. marvelous programme. But what
The
The history
history of of Sri
Sri Lanka’s
Lanka’s Advisory
Advisory Committee
Committee and and thethe It
It is
is doubtful
doubtful whether
whether therethere about
about the the Language
Language Expressway?
Expressway?
Sinhala-Tamil Honourable
Honourable President
President would is
is aa clear
clear interpretation
interpretation indicated
Sinhala-Tamil conflict indicates
conflict indicates would indicated
that observe
observe thatthat atat least
least aa part
part ofof this about
about the the trilingual
trilingual proficiency
that itit was
was started
started by by the
the this proficiency Next
Next issue
issue
discussions population,
population, would would be be to
to some of
of citizens at
citizens at any
any instance
instance in in the
discussions about about divisions
divisions some the AmaradasaWeerasinha
AmaradasaWeerasinha
by extent
extent tri-lingual,
tri-lingual, when when they draft.
by gentlemen, the
gentlemen, the thoughtless
thoughtless they draft. Cultural
Cultural Magazine
Magazine
behaviour will
will bebe engaged
engaged in in their
their religious According
According to to Mr.
Mr. Sunimal,
behaviour of of political
political gentlemen,
gentlemen, religious Sunimal, An
An excerpt
excerpt from
from the
the February
February
the activities
activities on on Poson
Poson Poya Poya Day who
who states in his speech, “Taking
states in his speech, 2013
2013 issue.
the work
work related
related problems
problems and and Day “Taking issue.6 Vibhasha 2013 December – January
The literature of had come forward,
Sri Lanka’s famous comparatively due to
author Mr. Martin the influence of Tamil
Wickramasinghe was Nadu, the Sri Lankan
a literary tradition Tamil arts and cultures
that was honoured have not advanced:
not only in Sri Lanka there is no (Sri Lankan)
but all over the world. Tamil Cinema, there is
Many books including no (Sri Lankan) Tamil
“Gamperaliya, Drama. Nothing called
Kaliyugaya, the art of translation.
Yuganthaya, Madol The author depends on
Duwa, Viragaya, Ape his skill to carry out his
Gama” have been the
source of great admiration
by people. It has been
I am not unfamiliar with duties.There are drama
schools in India. We do
not have such institutions.
observed during this
time, that the Tamil
population as well as
Sinhala experiences Due to this reason the
birth of (Sri Lankan)
Tamil creativity has been
the Sinhala population subject to a great set back.
had a great liking for By R. Shadagopan Ramaiyah The other problem that
Mr. Wickramasinghe’s we face is our inability to
literature. Earlier Mr. is conveying a creativity had related in the book
market (sell) the literary
Wickramasinghe’s about his childhood “Apey Gama”, were
Therefore, “The creations that are even
“Gamperaliya, Madol in a Sinhala village similar to the experiences
Martin Wickramasinghe produced occasionally.
Duwa, Selected Short environment in Koggala, in my village in hilly
Trust Fund” has made The Tamil author who
Stories” and others had relating the sentimental, Nawalapitiya, in the
arrangements to translate writes a book has to
been translated into sensitive and vivid Sinhala areas.
many books by Mr. pay for the production
the Tamil language. experiences that he had I learnt deeply about the
Martin Wickramasinghe and distribute and
Translating the book received there. trees and plants and the
in to the Tamil language. market it himself. The
“Apey Gama” into the He made use of stories like village environment that
The books that had Tamil language was opportunities that are
“Apey Gama” to translate are related in this book.
been translated into the not my idea. This was present for the Sinhala
to suit the present, the Then I realized that trees
Tamil language are the done under the Martin literature and writers are
various incidents that like Madan, Bovitiya
novels “Gamperaliya” Wickramasinghe Trust not there for the Tamil
had happened in society and Aththana were not
translated by Professor Fund, due to a request writers. More often, Tamil
during that time. endemic to Koggala.
Uvasis, “MadolDuwa” by made to me by Mr. authors write books only
Mr. Sundaram Saumyam, It is the birth place of Mr. I found out Tamil words due to the great liking and
Wickramasinghe’s son Mr.
and “Selected Short Martin Wickramasinghe that were similar to the appreciation for literature.
Ranga Wickramasinghe.
Stories” by Professor that is portrayed in this words that were describing So far, there had been
I received an award for
Sabha Deva Rasa. village environment. the trees and plants. nobody who had come
the best translation of
The translator whom “Apey Gama” into Tamil In this way he describes What are the special forward and asked them
we are going to introduce on September 11th at the the ruralness of Koggala, common features that you to write.
today in Vibasha is the Sri Lanka Foundation a village in Galle, through observe in Sinhala Culture If you can speak about your
author Mr Shadagopan Institute during the the book “Apey Gama”. and Tamil Culture in Sri literary creations…
Ramaiyah. Godage Awards When I am enjoying Mr. Lanka? I translated author
We will be discussing Ceremony. “Apey Gama” Wickramasinghe’s books, I Taking into consideration Bandupala Guruge’s
his translated works, reveals the Sinhala village feel as if I too had similar all the cosmopolitian “Senehasin Upan Daruwo”
literary works and many environment, Sinhala experiences during my subjects of the world of into Tamil. Also I am a
other skills . The great village usages and the childhood. art, specially the cinema, descendant of a section
Wickramasinghe’s “Ape features of Sinhala culture. When I was translating dramas, translations, of those living in the
Gama” book had been Taking a Tamil village, did this story, I added certain short stories, books and estates of the hill country.
translated to the Tamil its culture, its environment things creatively and looking at it overall, the Because I was thinking
language by Shadagopan and its usages seem more presented them. biggest obstacle that the of speaking something
Ramaiyah. special than in a Sinhala The environment Tamil race faces is the about them, that I wrote
He received the award village? that I lived in was a South Indian influence. the book “Sinhala Vathu
for the best translation Mr. Martin hilly (Nawalapitiya) The other reason, when Kamkaruwange Kathawa”.
during the Godage Wickramasinghe spoke environment. Near our looking at dramas and the I translated Anula De
Literary Awards Festival. about his experiences village were Sinhala cinema, Tamil dramas Silva’s “Thiththa Kopi”
during his life from the villages. I saw that the are faced with a more into Tamil.
Can you describe how
age 9 to 11. At that time experiences and the dangerous set back than How has this war that
you got the inclination to
Mr. Wickramasinghe’s age similarities that Mr. the Sinhala dramas.
translate a book like “Apey
Gama”? was about 40 years. He Martin Wickramasinghe Even if Sinhala culture Continued to page 11Vibhasha 2013 December – January 7
Recourse, if your Language
The fifth step of a
series of leaflets
Rights are violated
published with the
goal of imparting
knowledge of
Language Rights to
Provisions on the of language rights communities.
subject of Language in violations.
the LLRC report were
regularly mentioned in
At a recent Training 1978
workshop for regional
the Sri Lankan media in trainers of a civil society Constitution
the recent past, and even project promoting
commented upon by the the language rights the 1978
UN High Commissioner Constitution was
of minorities, human
for Human Rights Ms established including
rights lawyer and
Navi Pillay. This might a chapter about the
language rights advocate
make you wonder why implementation of
S. G. Punchihewa talked
language is given the fundamental rights
about language rights
important place that Yet it was difficult,
in Sri Lanka and also even through this to
it is. Perhaps you feel outlined the various implement the Tamil
that this is an issue that to giving an equal hitting her. institutions and entities language rights
affects only other people importance to the Consider, finally that exist, from which we The fact that it could
in other areas, and is languages of a country another recent case of a can seek redress in the be implemented was
not really your business. where we are all equal as desperate woman who event our language rights stated in the constitution
Language is believed to citizens. went to a police station are violated - these being 12(2)
be a significant factor Imagine the plight to make a complaint, the Supreme Court, This reads as follows.
in the ethnic conflict in of a poor woman from a as a last resort, that her the Official Languages "No citizen
Sri Lanka, and although remote area like Vavunia husband drinks and Commission, the Human should be subjected
hostilities have ceased, who came to Colombo, beats her badly. Her Rights Commission, and to any harassment or
sometimes the deep to visit her sick son. She complaint was in Tamil, the Consumer Affairs discrimination due to
resentment has not. is sitting alone exhausted, but there was no officer Authority. reasons such as race,
But on a positive note, hungry, waiting for the at the police station religion, gender, political
Seeking legal affiliation or similar
notable achievements bus back to her village who could write in recourse through the reasons"
have been made in the and it is almost 8 pm in Tamil, so the statement Supreme Court can be a Yet in this
recent past towards the evening, transport was written in Sinhala, very expensive procedure constitution, due to the
achieving a goal of notifications are only and she had to sign it. requiring special lawyers fact that the Sinhala
language equality in Sri read out in Sinhala which Her constitutionally to be hired in Colombo, Language was the
Lanka. she does not understand, ensured language rights and should be used national Language, is it
Langauge as a media she wants to ask someone (the right to use her only as a last resort, wrong not to conduct
of communication is for information and there mother tongue) were for serious issues with official work in the Tamil
fundamental to our are hardly any woman in violated in this case, but national significance, he Language?
very existence as human sight, she is afraid. this also resulted in a advised. Isnt the violation
beings. In Sri Lanka, Imagine a traffic human rights violation of fundamental
Aside from that,
a separate Ministry, accident where a young where she suffered later rights included in the
there are many ways
namely the Ministry motorcyclist has suffered in the case as accurate constitution ?
for a person to seek 1. in this situation what
of National Languages a fall and is injured and information had not
redress - for example if could be the practical
and Social Integration, in pain, but is being been recorded. These are
they find a product or result?
headed by Hon. Minister hassled by the police true cases which were
encounter an institution 2. What happens to a
Vasudeva Nanayakkara, officers in a language he recently recorded from
which has instructions or right which arises from
has been set up to doesn’t understand, and bilingual areas of Sri
information in only one the constitution?
address the issue of they ask him questions Lanka.
language, they may even
language equality as which he cant answer, In cases like this one consider complaining Centre for Policy
a priority. This and and they become can submit a complaint to the OLC sighting the Alternatives
a number of other angry with him. Or a to the Human Rights Consumer Protection
institutions in Sri lanka pregnant woman who Commission and also to 24/2, 28th Lane
Authority as respondent.
work hard to promote did not understand the the Official Languages Flower Road,
and protect the language In the case of Colombo 7.
instructions a nurse gave Commission, two
rights of all. language issues +94 (11) 2565304 /5 / 6
her in Sinhala which institutions which
encountered in a public www.cpalanka.org
There is a resulted in the nurse monitor and assist people
humanitarian aspect losing her temper and info@cpalanka.org
to find recourse in cases See page 148 Vibhasha 2013 December – January
Two more international awards for the
bilingual newspaper “ADA”.
Focussing on the Sinhala and Tamil creative establishments in Sri Lanka,
New Year celebrations, the “ADA” daily Leo Burnnett Company had been
national newspaper, who published a working hand in hand with StarCom
special Sinhala Tamil bilingual “Unity Colombo, the Colombo Branch of the
Paper”, has won two international Starcom Media Company which had
awards, one in the outreach section and won international fame. Before this, the
also a silver award at the Spikes Asia “ADA” bilingual newspaper had won
2013 Festival of Creativity which had a Bronze award for the “Best Printing
been held in Singapore. Method” at the 60th Cannes Lions
International Festival of Creativity that
In order to assist the “ADA” daily
was held in France, and was selected
national newspaper, in producing this
in the category of marketing of
innovative policy, one of the primary
promotional lettering design usage.
Grade 7 Student with first place in
Tamil reading, gets a Cash Award
Pasan Ramawickrama – Matara District The police officers of the Matara Police
Station had arranged a felicitation ceremony
through the
W.G. Samadhi Wijewardana who is
to honour Samadhi. During this ceremony,
in Grade 7 of the Central Collage Kirinda,
the Inspector General of Police, Deshabandu
Puhuluwella, Matara has won the first place
Mr. Tennakoon had made arrangements to
in the Students All Island Tamil Reading
present her with a gift of rupees ten thousand.
Contest 2013. She had won the 7th place in
the Samastha Lanka Tamil Reading Contest Other than this, the “Feelan Association”
that was held in 2012. This student’s father of Matara had given her a gift of rupees
Mr. Mahesh Wijewardana had disappeared twenty thousand. News published in
during the 2004 Tsunami and her mother
Meanwhile, Police Inspector Mr. several Sinhala and
Mrs. D. K. Gamage (5292) is presently a
Police Officer in the Matara Police Station.
Prashantha Hemal had made arrangements Tamil Newspapers
to award her a scholarship for progress, in her
She has a younger sister aged 4 years.
education. the Sri Lankan
Certificates for the
group that finished the
Tamil Training Course.
R.Gunaratna – Millaniya.
Certificates were presented recently by the
Kalutara District Secretary Mr. U.D.C. Jayalal to
the second group who had successfully completed
the Tamil Training Course that was held free in
the Divisional Secretariat, Millaniya.
Under the advice of the Milleniya Divisional
Secretary Mrs. Buddhini Gunawardana, Mr. G.
Vanaraj, the Infrastructure Facilities Development
Officer had continuously conducted their classes
for several years at the Millaniya DS Office
This training course that had been conducted
by government officers and people who lived
there, had been immensely popular.Vibhasha 2013 December – January 9
Within two weeks orders A Practical Sinhala Tamil
have to be implemented. English Dictionary is published
The Human Rights Commission emphasizes Lawrence Selvanayagam.
Thinakaran – 2013.08.08
Sudaroli – 2013.10.15
The Ministry of National Languages and
The orders that had been issued by the
Social Integration has compiled and published a
Human Rights Commission are required to
handy and practical Sinhala, Tamil, and English
be implemented within two weeks, says this
trilingual dictionary.
Commission.
This is the first general dictionary that had
The Human Rights Commission had stated
been published by the state. The Ministry states
that legal action would be taken against any
that this is a great asset for government officials
Heads of Departments who have been unable to
who carry out their duties in the national
implement these orders.
trilingual languages of the country, for people in
Many complaints had been received by the ordinary offices and for generations of students.
Human Rights Commission, saying that some
The Ministry further states that the goal is to
heads of departments had not carried out the
broaden and enhance the trilingual knowledge
orders that had been given.
among the population of Sri Lanka, and
The Commission also states that a separate arrangements had been made to observe this
investigation would be carried out regarding globally through the internet.
e media eye the complaints. The Chairman of the Sri Lanka
Human Rights Commission, Mr. Priyantha
Fernando had discussed his problem with His
Also, this trilingual dictionary has been
created to assist teaching establishments, officers
in government offices, educationists and also
Excellency President Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksa.
those who are engaged in research
This decision that had been taken by the
Using the internet, the web address to be
Human Rights Commission had been sent to the
used www.trilingualdictionary .lk
legal department for inclusion in the legal draft.
Meanwhile, this legal draft is to be presented to Copies of the above practical dictionary have
the parliament to be passed. been officially handed over to the Ministry of
popular media Public Administration, and CD’s containing this
reflect how the dictionary have been given to all departments,
bilingual problems according to an official of this Ministry.
are questioned.
If the Tamil language had also been an
official language there would have been
no ethnic problems.
Letters should be sent in the Tamil Language
request the Pradeshiya Sabha Members Minister Tissa Vitharana said
Weerakesari – 2013.08.25 Sudaroli – 2013.10.07
Elected members had expressed their dissatisfaction that letters written Hon Minister Mr. Tissa Vitharana said that the national
in English had been sent to the Jaffna Pradeshiya Sabha, without translating problem of Sri Lanka had not yet been solved. The Minister stated
them into Tamil and had appealed to the Chairman of the Pradeshiya Sabha this taking part in the ceremony of laying a wreath in the statue
to get the letters translated into the Tamil Language according to the existing of the late leftist politician Mr. Pieter Keuneman in Maradana,
trilingual policy. honouring his 96th birth anniversary,on the 5th October. He
Letters written in English giving information about the development further stated there, that there is still no establishment of peace
work programmes and other facts in an Eastern Pradeshiya Sabhawa have and harmony in the country. The ethnic problem is still existing in
been given to the members without being translated into the Tamil language. the country. There had been no solution for it yet.
Many members who had no knowledge of the English language being If action had been taken during that time to make both
unable to understand the information in these letters, face many difficulties languages national languages as appealed by leftist leaders like Mr.
and they have come to a state that they are compelled to seek assistance from Pieter Keuneman including other leaders, this present problem
others. In some instances, they have been in a state where they had said would not have occurred. Against this, a main reason for this
incorrect facts due to misunderstanding the information. problem, was making the Sinhala Language only the national
The members had pointed out the English letters and the problems that language and implementing it. Therefore, the necessity for making
they face due to these, and had appealed to the Chairman to refrain from both the Sinhala and Tamil languages into Official languages is
allowing this injustice in the future and appealed to provide them with Tamil now apparent
translations of the English letters.10 Vibhasha 2013 December – January
Minister Tissa Vitharana said
A Quality Future
Sudaroli – 2013.10.07
The veteran Minister Mr. Tissa Vitharana said that the national problem of Sri Lanka
had not yet been solved. The Minister stated this taking part in the ceremony of laying
Generation as a result of
a wreath in the statue of the late leftist politician Mr. Pieter Keuneman in Maradana,
honouring his 96th birth anniversary, the day before yesterday. He further stated there,
Bilingual Education.
that there is still no establishment of peace and harmony in the country. The ethnic
problem is still existing in the country. There had been no solution for it yet.
If action had been taken during that time to make both languages national languages as
appealed by
Priyantha leftist leaders like Mr. Pieter Keuneman including among leaders, this
Nanayakkara.
present problem would (Bilingual
Director of Education not have occurred. Against this, the reason for this problem,
Education)
was making the Sinhala Language only the national language and implementing it.
Therefore, the necessity for making both the Sinhala and Tamil languages into Official
Although only limited
languages is now apparent The first part of this letter
research has been conducted which discusses the place
P10 eh progress of bilingual
about acquisition of a language is implementation of this concept
of bilingual education
education in Sri Lanka some a subconscious action, while when considering the expected
ideaAcan Quality Future Generation due to bilingual
within a trilingual policy education.
be obtained abot the learning a language takes place results, the similarity that is
was published in the pre-
skillsPriyantha
of the students of bilingial
Nanayakkara. consciously. existing between these two
vious issue.
education, from the analysis of When learning a language, different work programmes is
Director of education (bilingual Education)
examination results the rules of the language as the great contribution that they
Following is a result analysis concept subjects as mathematics well as grammar are learnt, give to a bilingual Sri Lanka.
of the and science. This also tallies
Thepasses as percentages
first part of this letter which discusses the place of bilingual education andwithin
even ifa the language is not The place of English in a
of some of the subjects that with international experimental learnt directly learning the bilingual education.
trilingual policy was published in the previous issue.
bilingual education students findings. language gives a knowledge of In this, a fact that cannot
had sat for in the English Learning and acquisition. grammar in an indirect way be ignored is the mutual
medium
Althoughfor the
onlyGeneral
limited research has been Thereconducted about eh progress while
is a difference of bilingual
ensuring the correct relationship that exists between
Certificate
education of in
Education
Sri Lanka some idea between
can be obtained
learningabot the skills of theway
a language students of it. In bilingual
of using the English language education
(Ordinary
bilingialLevel) examination
education, from the analysis of examination results
and language acquisition. education, a language is used and the bilingual education.
from the year 2008 to the year This is a another primary as a medium of instruction For example just as the Sinhala
2011. difference between teaching to teach subjects that are not language or the Tamil language
Following is a result analysis of the passes as percentages of some of the subjects thatlanguages
bilingual (Cummins 1997) and
As shown in the analysis the the English language as a is important when teaching
education students had sat for in the English medium for the General
subject and the bilingual Certificate of Education
a valuable opportunity arises, to
students who received bilingual science, subjects in the Sinhala
(Ordinary Level) examination from the yeareducation
2008 to the work
year 2011.
programme. acquire the language which is
education, show a high or Tamil medium, the English
performance in such complex
Graph 1.0 shows the percentage of passes According
in the results to Krashen,
analysis of the 1981,
bilingual the
education goal.
students language becomes important
who had sat for the General Certificate of Education (Ordinary Level) Examination. when teaching science subjects
Subject 2008 2009 2010 2011 Multilingual in the English medium. In this,
Literacy because the English language
Mathematics 94.82 93.73 95.67 94.15 is a foreign language and not
There is a
Science 90.95 92.83 92.83 91.78 the first language more care has
clear difference
to be taken when teaching the
Geography 95.20 97.78 97.78 97.66 between
English language.
bilingualism
Citizenship Education 94.30 91.30 91.30 96.14 and bilingual For this, the teacher of
Health and physical 99.71 99.40 99.40 99.67 education. The bilingual education can get
education word “bilingual” much assistance from the
indicates the teacher of the English language.
Graph- From National Symposium on reviewing of the performance of the school
ability to communicate in During this journey
candidates, GCE (o/L) exam – 2011, Research and Development branch,
Graph - National symposium on reviewing of the perfornamce of school the two languages and is the torwards a trilingual Sri Lanka,
Department
candidates,ofG.C.E.
Examination
(O/L) examination - 2011, Research and Development primary result of an education giving prominence to the
branch, Department of Examination in (two) languages. In a first language in the bilingual
102
bilingual education system, education programme , helps
100
always the goal language is used in creating a generation who
14 of instruction
as the medium uses the goal language not only
98
together with the students first for communication but for
96
language, the result of which is mastering of a concept and for
94
acquiring bilingual proficiency thinking too.
92
(multi lingual) as stated above.
90 Therefore to accomplish the
88
This is the reply that can goal of a trilingual Sri Lanka,
86
be given to some people who the bilingual programme,
argue that, within the school including the contribution
84
syllabus, only a formal English given by every programme
Picture 1.0 shows the analysis of results of the passes of the was necessary which needs to dealing with languages and
bilingual education students who sat for the General Certificate of be only strengthened. the international relationship
Education(Ordinary Level) Examination. According to the method of among them is very important.Vibhasha 2013 December – January 11
A young man living in Panama says, “The I am not unfamiliar
villagers cut firewood without harming the from page 6
jungle , yet we are forbidden. The people cut
valuable trees on the sly, with no problem at went on for 30 years affected the Tamil
liking for litreature
all.
By now the group who likes Tamil
literature is expanding.
It is seen that literary creations depicting
the sorrow and lament of the Tamil
population affected by the war, have been
produced. Various components have
been added to Tamil literature.
What is your opinion about a great author
of Sinhala literature like Mr. Martin
Wickramasinghe?
He is one of the authors who
introduced the identity of this country’s
From the previous issue heritage. I like to say that Mr. Martin
Wickramasinghe was an author who
made a great effort to rekindle the
Sinhala-Tamil Relatives
The birth place of the
parents of Nallan Thewani, Sinhala, Buddhist, Tamil identity that had
(aged 58) who had inherited been buried under Burgher, Portuguese
and British subjugation. People like him
in Panampaththuwa
the dhoby trade from
generations, was Potuvil. made an effort to reclaim culture and
civilisation and so on that was lost during
Apart from connections
with relatives in Paanama, that era.
and selling palu and weera While translating “Apey Gama” you
including member of several
products during the bearing They should be protected have said that you learnt about trees and
families such as Magalinga,
season. The Panama Pradeshiya
Selvarsa , Sindiran and plants described in and the use of various
Kandasamy, they still continue Vendors from Sabha member Mr Ajantha languages while translating “Apey Gama”.
the dhobi trade and his Akkaraipattu, Kalmunai and Wimalasena says, “ the Did you think that there might be some
children are in the fishing Pottuid come to buy them. people of Panama suffer from harm to the original book, by making use of
industry say Nallan Thevami. Cutting firewood is economic difficulties. Many this information for this translation work?
also a means of livelihood. people don’t possess a fixed
The livelihood of more When translating a Sinhala book into the
But it is difficult due to the abode. When an innocent
than half the young men living Tamil language, I think that I am creating
imposition of regulations by man goes to the jungle to
in Paanama is from the fishing a new story. This is how a successful
the Department of Wild Life get a medicinal plant or
industry. The main industry translation is created. Today translation
and Forest Conservation. some firewood, he is caught.
is catching lobsters but it is has become a wave. I don’t think that a
A programme should be
forbidden to catch “young “Villages cut firewood translation done, by getting caught to that
implemented to give economic
abhina” until the prawns are without the harming jungle. wave will be successful. It is an injustice
progress to the village and to
mature, and during days their Yet we are forbidden. There done to the reader. A translation must be
protect its culture.
income is from “going on is no problem for those who
The law is not practical. carried out with creativity and finesse.
courses” ie sailing in boats cut trees and transport them
at dawn and returning in on the sly.” says a young man The Chairman of the At present, I am translating Mr. Upali
the afternoon which is this living in Panama. Central Environmental Leelaratna’s “They Katha” book into the
routine. Authority, Mr. Charitha Tamil language. This book also deals
As a result of the change
Sudu Banda Abeyeratna Herath says, “ from the fact with the problems and grievances that
in the tradition of the village
says “Now a kilo of that the villager who takes the estate labourers are facing. I have a
the young men and women go
alugoduwa(fish) is Rs.300. away to other places in order firewood while not harming special right to speak about people like
Rs. 200 has to be paid to to get jobs. Tourists come to the environment is being them. I have no wish to become popular.
those who catch them. Life is the village. caught and the poacher who I don’t want to be a Harry Potter or
difficult because now less fish cuts wood having no problem, Shakespere My aim is to give something
Threats from Drug Addiction
are caught,” A large number of it is shown that the purpose of to people about my experiences in the
The elders say that, being the law is not achieved” estate life.
fisherman in Paanama work
exposed to outside society
under businessmen. Also The objectionable state Could you tell us about your media life?
results in various dangers such
the diesel expenditure for where the limits of the law
as alchohol and drugs. I served five years as the main editor of
the boats is very high. Many enter the limits of village
It is observed that they “Subawali Wu” a health magazine and
fishermen have to live with life, while the law is being
still have a deep feeling for the as the starting editor of “Vijai” a Tamil
considerable debts. implemented unjustly, cannot
heritage and the identity of the newspaper of the Vijaya Newspaper
The Paanama village gets be condoned.
“ Paanama”. Association.
an extra income by cutting
Thibiriyagama BandaraYou can also read
