Sri Lanka’s first-ever Electoral Sign Language Lexicon launched

The Election Commission of Sri Lanka (ECSL) and the Sri Lanka Central Federation of the Deaf collectively launched Sri Lanka's First-ever Electoral Sign Language Lexicon, marking a significant step towards ensuring inclusive and accessible elections for Deaf and hard-of-hearing citizens.

The ECSL, in partnership with the Sri Lanka Central Federation of the Deaf (SLCFD), the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES), and with the support of the American people through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), announced the launch of the initiative on Tuesday at Galadari Hotel, Colombo. 

Mr. Saman Sri Ratnayake, Commissioner General of Elections, launched the lexicon in the presence of representatives from the Deaf community, senior public officials, development partners, academics, civil society organizations, and various other stakeholders. 

During his remarks, Mr. Ratnayake highlighted the significance of the lexicon in promoting equal access to the electoral process for all citizens, according to a statement issued by the organizers. 

The U.S. Department of State as Special Advisor on International Disability Rights, Sara Minkara, also addressed the gathering and emphasized the U.S. government’s commitment to supporting initiatives that foster inclusivity and participation in the democratic process.

The event also celebrated the successful completion of the 2024 Cohort of the Engaging a New Generation for Accessible Governance and Elections (ENGAGE) program. In collaboration with the Inclusivity Centre of the University of Kelaniya, IFES conducted a 10-day training course equipping 20 young leaders with disabilities with the knowledge, skills, and resources to actively engage in the democratic process and advocate for inclusive governance and elections.

The Lexicon initiative arose from the identification of communication barriers faced by the Deaf community at polling stations due to the lack of corresponding signs and standardized definitions for electoral terms in Sri Lanka. In 2023, the ECSL, SLCFD, and IFES, with support from USAID, collaborated to address this issue by conducting a series of Sign Language Trainings of Trainers. 

“This program successfully trained 93 ECSL Officials, 59 Deaf individuals, and 26 sign language interpreters across the country, empowering them to conduct cascading sign language trainings for election officials, poll workers and the Deaf community,” the statement added. 

Building upon this foundation, the ECSL and SLCFD conducted nationwide consultations, resulting in the development of a comprehensive Electoral Sign Language Lexicon. The Lexicon translates 324 key electoral terms into five languages, including Sri Lanka Sign Language and Sri Lanka Tamil Sign Language. These terms are presented in both video and image formats for clear and accessible communication.

The majority of the production team consisted of individuals with disabilities in the spirit of “Nothing About Us Without Us,” which is the motto of the global movement to achieve the full participation and equalization of opportunities for, by and with persons with disabilities.

To ensure widespread awareness of the new Lexicon and electoral signs, five trainings are planned across the country. These trainings will target the Deaf community, district election officials, and sign language interpreters, the statement added.