English can be that link for peaceful co-existence

The colonial administration, in place for more than 13 decades prior to Independence, had a huge impact on our traditions, culture and various aspects of our daily life. The medium of administration was English, and the trend was to give the local languages second place. The criterion for recruitment to the public service was a proficiency in reading and writing English, and as a result Sinhala and Tamil declined and became secondary languages in schools.

The Official Language Act of 1956 left a legacy of discontent, frustration and communal unrest. A large percentage of those in the public service in those days were from the old school, people who had received their education in the English medium. These people were doomed to a process of virtual extinction. Doctors, engineers, professors, teachers and others resigned, retired or vacated their posts to seek greener pastures in other countries.

Over time, professional standards in the public service deteriorated. Red tape, malpractice, bribery, corruption and chauvinism became the order of the day in almost every public institution.

Today, English has become an international language. More than two-fifths of the world’s population speaks English. English serves as a powerful link language between communities. A knowledge of English is essential to pursue higher studies, as most research in medicine, science and technology is conducted in English at our universities.

The communal unrest problem that has plagued the country over the years, since the ’50s, might have been averted had all parties involved been able to converse freely in English and directly discuss matters without the need for an interpreter. Clarity in communication is paramount when discussing something as subtle and sensitive as ethnic issues. This may be one of the main reasons peace negotiations between the Government and the LTTE had failed on so many occasions.

It is my personal view that English is the one language that can link all ethnic groups in our country. It is hoped that the authorities will introduce modern teaching methods and techniques in our schools, colleges and universities so as to maintain a high standard of English as a pre-requisite for national unity and peaceful co-existence.

Last but not least, we should also make sure the study of English is for communication purposes and not to replace the indigenous languages or to negatively impact on our cultural and social susceptibilities.

By Don Sarath Abeyesekera, Bandarawela