Amidst growing concerns over the dwindling diversity of languages globally, a solemn call to action reverberated today as it was revealed that a staggering 43 percent of the world's 7,000 languages are now endangered.
Bangladesh High Commissioner in Colombo, Tareq Md Ariful Islam, spearheaded efforts to underscore the importance of preserving mother tongues during a special event organized by the High Commission, the Ministry of Education, and the National Scouts Association of Sri Lanka in commemoration of the International Day of Mother Languages.
"Today, approximately 43 percent of the 7,000 languages spoken worldwide face the threat of extinction. Shockingly, over 40 percent of language speakers lack access to education in their mother tongues. It is imperative that we reverse this alarming trend," emphasized High Commissioner Islam.
Echoing this sentiment, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ali Sabry, emphasized the pivotal role languages play in fostering harmony amidst diversity.
"Sri Lanka, a nation embracing linguistic diversity, proudly employs two official state languages, Sinhala and Tamil, alongside English as a bridge language," Minister Sabry underscored.
Minister of Education, Susil Premajayantha, highlighted Sri Lanka's multilingual ethos, emphasizing the pivotal role each language plays in the nation's fabric.
"Sinhala and Tamil stand as our two national languages, pivotal in educational frameworks, particularly following the enactment of the 13th Amendment.
Moreover, English is introduced as a medium of instruction from Grade six onwards. Higher education institutions have also been granted the autonomy to conduct courses in the language of their choice," Minister Premajayantha elaborated
