Failure to respect language rights is no small error – Minister Harsha Nanayakkara
09-Jul-2025.
We must never forget that failing to respect language rights in our country is no small error. If we do not learn this lesson properly, history will surely repeat itself, said Justice and National Unity Minister Harsha Nanayakkara.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the National Official Languages Week held on July 7 at the Sri Lanka Parliament College, he stated: “I want to emphasize that language is not merely a technical matter. Language conveys more clarity than any communication device. It is at the heart of a person’s identity. It is the voice of memory, the rhythm of respect, the structure of thought. In Sri Lanka, language can be considered a litmus test for justice, harmony, and the integrity of the state.
When a person has no opportunity to express themselves or listen in their own language, humanity itself is being denied. Thus, national unity cannot be achieved merely through the provision of basic needs or through slogans of struggle. Only by implementing language policy can reconciliation among communities be achieved.
If we look back at our history, we must never forget that the failure to respect language rights was no trivial lapse. It not only caused great injustice but also led to mistrust, disunity, and ultimately armed conflict. If we do not internalize this lesson deeply, history will inevitably repeat.
Without equality, there can be no lasting peace. If a government does not respect the language of its people, equality will never arise. We have understood this and are taking the necessary measures. From October this year, we will distribute application forms in both languages in all Divisional Secretariat Divisions.”
Under the Sri Lankan Constitution, Sinhala and Tamil are official languages, and English is the link language. Through the 13th Amendment and the Official Languages Commission Act, we have established a strong legal framework. Yet legal recognition alone is not sufficient. The rights enshrined on paper must become a lived reality for the people.”
