It was fitting that the project was flagged off on Saturday by no less a person than the legendary former President of India and scientist of universal fame Prof. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam. If there is one public figure of note who has been promoting increasing connectivity between peoples for the purpose of ushering greater world harmony, it has been Prof. Kalam and we hope the words of wisdom he expressed at the launch of the Trilingual initiative and at the public lecture he electrifyingly delivered to mainly the youth of this country subsequently at the SBMEC auditorium, under the aegis of the Bandaranaike Centre for International Studies, would be deeply reflected upon by one and all.

It would be also fitting to place on record that besides the tremendous zeal for the project evinced by President Rajapaksa and the continuous ‘push’ provided by him, the Trilingual project would not have seen the light of day if not for also the continuous exertions of Presidential Advisor Sunimal Fernando and the officials led by him, who spared no pains to make the venture a reality. It is indeed a great moment for them all.

It is habitual for some sections to dwell obsessively on the ‘Sinhala Only’ Act and other legislative and executive blunders which helped in fomenting the ‘National Question’ but what was right along needed was some visionary zeal to put things right in the country and this is being provided right now in the language policy sphere by the Trilingual initiative.

Through the focus on making the public of this country knowledgeable in Sinhala, Tamil and English, what is being aimed at is the bridging of all language barriers which have been keeping our communities in separate language cocoons and preventing them from communicating meaningfully and empathetically with each other.

Ideally, every citizen of this country must be knowledgeable in Sinhala, Tamil and English; the latter being an important link language as well as a medium of universal discourse. For decades, the main communities of this country were not in a position to communicate freely with each other because the majority of their members did not know each others languages. This factor enabled a separation wall of suspicion and distrust to come in between them, resulting in the emergence of friction between some sections of both communities. Needless to say, this situation and the resultant conflict could have been avoided if both communities were talking freely to each other in each others Mother Tongues and discoursing in depth on the issues of the day. The mutual understanding which would have been gained by the communities would have prevented suspicion and doubt from blighting their relations.

Considering the foregoing, the Trilingual initiative should be seen as one of the most far-seeing public sector projects to have been put in place in post-independence Sri Lanka in the conflict-resolution sphere. We call for its swift and effective implementation. We also call on all sections of the local polity to wholeheartedly support this project which, clearly, has the national interest in view. There ought not to be any divisive sentiments in any quarter that could rouse and nurture prejudice and doubt about the project, for, the aim of the initiative is the public good.

The Trilingual initiative should be valued greatly be cause it also rejects in full language chauvinism which has played a highly divisive role in post-independence Sri Lanka. In fact it is a resounding rebuff of all language chauvinists and other purveyors of division. If effectively implemented, the project could prove a great instrument of healing and reconciliation.

[Source: Daily News]

News Briefs

No logical reason in continuing talks with TNA, says Government: The Government on January 29 said there was no logical reason in continuing talks with the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) on finding a political solution to the ethnic issue when the final solution would be decided by the proposed Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC). Government Spokesperson and Media Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said that the Government's stance was that the proposed PSC has to decide on the political solution to the ethnic issue. He said there was no logical reason to continue with talks with the TNA since matters discussed with the TNA would also have to be discussed and decided at the PSC. Colombo Page, January 30, 2012.

TMVP leader and EPC Chief Minister Pillayan demands for Police and land powers to Provincial Councils: Tamil People's Liberation Tigers (TMVP) leader and Eastern Provincial Council (EPC) Chief Minister (CM) Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan alias Pillayan has demanded that Police and land powers be given to the Provincial Councils. Local Sunday Times reported that the EPC led by Pillayan has unanimously passed a resolution demanding Police and land powers for the council. A copy of the resolution has been sent to the Presidential Secretariat. A spokesman said that the CM will also discuss the issue with the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) leader R. Sampanthan. "We are willing to work jointly with the TNA in winning these demands," the council spokesman was quoted as saying. Colombo Page, January 30, 2012.

Former Army Commander pleads not guilty for harboring deserters: Former Army Commander Sarath Fonseka pleaded not guilty to all charges against him when he was produced before the Colombo High Court. The Government has charged Fonseka and his personal assistant Senaka Haripriya de Silva mainly for harboring Army deserters during his presidential election campaign, conspiring against the Government to commit mutiny and insubordination to the Government. The State has served an indictment against the two accusing them of 41 charges. Colombo Page, January 25, 2012.

Government to establish a Senate under 13^th plus amendment to devolve power: Addressing a media briefing on January 19 the Government spokesman and Minister of Media & Information Keheliya Rambukwella said the Government expects to establish a Senate representing minority groups and academics as a "viable link between the Central Government and the provinces". Explaining the government's initiative, the Minister said the 13^th Amendment to the Constitution is already a part of the Constitution since 1987, and the establishment of the Senate, which will act as an advisory body to the legislature, is what meant by the 13 plus or 13 and beyond. Colombo Page, January 20, 2012.

Government can overcome political extremism: Mass Media and Information Minister Keheliya Rambukwella on January 18 said that Government can overcome political extremism. "Although a handful of bankrupt political extremists are trying to create a crisis in the country, the government has the strength to thwart such attempts and bring them under control within the next few days," he stated. Daily Excelsior, January 19, 2012.

Government to beef up security to prevent revival of LTTE in the country: Sri Lanka plans to strengthen security in the country to prevent any resurrection of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), Defense Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa said on January 10. Denying accusations, leveled against the Government by some groups that the country is being militarized, Rajapaksa said the Security Forces are being strengthened in order to establish lasting peace and harmony in the country. Colombo Page, January 11, 2012.

74 rehabilitated LTTE cadres to be released on January 22: Around 74 Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) cadres who have been rehabilitated on court orders, are to be released shortly on a decision by the Rehabilitation Department. According to Rehabilitation Commissioner General Major General Chandana Rajaguru this group will be released on January 22 at a ceremony in Batticaloa. Daily News, January 10, 2012.

Government ready to discuss Police and land powers with TNA: Loosening its stance against granting police and land powers to the provinces according to the 13^th Amendment to the Constitution, the Government said on January 3 that it is ready to consider its scope provided the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) put forward its proposals at the talks with the Government. The Government spokesman, Media Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said, "As a Government we are concerned about giving Police and Land powers to provinces. However, we are ready to consider giving those powers within certain scope if such a proposal is made by the TNA to the Government. For that the TNA should remain at talks with the Government." Minister Rambukwella told the Government Media Unit. Colombo Page, January 4, 2012.

[South Asia Intelligence Review]