National policies must be implemented in such a way that every citizen can access essential services in their respective mother tongues as well as in sign language, Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya said. 

PM Amarasuriya pointed out that the National Languages Week is not just a time to focus on and acknowledge language policy, but it also highlights the critical role of the language that fosters identity, respect, and builds a peaceful and united society.

“If certain communities feel that they do not have the opportunity to communicate in their own language at crucial institutions like courts, police stations, schools, state institutions, or administrative offices, then this is not merely an issue of service delivery. In such circumstances, people may genuinely begin to feel that they are excluded. Therefore, it is essential to ensure equal linguistic rights and dignity for all ethnic groups.

“Therefore, we must create schools where Sinhala and Tamil students can learn each other’s languages, hospitals where patients can express their symptoms in the language they feel most comfortable in and receive respectful care, and a justice system where citizens can seek justice in a language they understand. These are not luxury privileges but fundamental conditions that should practically exist in a society rooted in harmony,” she said.

PM Amarasuriya further said that, accordingly, the new educational reforms beginning in 2026 will incorporate teaching methods that emphasize the importance of all languages in the country and highlight language as something beyond just a subject.  

The Prime Minister made these remarks while participating in the closing ceremony of the National Languages Week “Path to Reconciliation”, organized by the Ministry of Justice and National Integration, held at the Sri Lanka Foundation on Monday.

The National Languages Week, held under the theme “Talk Together – Live Together”, commenced on 01st of July, marking the National Languages Day, and continued for seven days.

The closing ceremony was held under the participation of the Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya and the Minister of Justice and National Integration, Harsha Nanayakkara.

Also addressing the event,  Minister of Justice and National Unity Harsha Nanayakkara expressed hope that this National Languages Day will lead to building a Sri Lanka that thrives on genuine reconciliation and vibrant unity.

“Even though we may not share the same past, we certainly share a common future that we can build together. On this National Languages Day, let us all commit ourselves to building a Sri Lanka that thrives on genuine reconciliation and vibrant unity,” he said. 

At the closing ceremony of National Languages Week, awards and certificates were presented by the Prime Minister to the winners of the model essay competition held at the school level by the Official Languages Commission, and to those who passed the National Language Proficiency Examinations conducted by the Department of Official Languages.