National Languages Project

The goal of this project is to promote respect for language diversity and language rights within the Sri Lankan public service and among Sri Lankans. It draws on Canadian experience and expertise in official bilingualism to assist the government of Sri Lanka to enhance its capacity to deliver social services in Sri Lanka’s two official languages. The project also seeks to help the government leadership of national language policies and programs. The main counterpart is the Ministry of National Coexistence Dialogue and Official Languages. Project activities include: (1) assisting the government of Sri Lanka to prepare a five-year language action plan; (2) assisting language departments to review their mandates and performance; (3) helping the government to draft a plan for a translation centre; (4) assisting civil society to promote language rights and social integration; and (5) assisting universities to establish undergraduate degree programs in translation and interpretation.