FCCISL takes up teaching of languages as a peace step

The teaching of the official languages aimed at creating an impact on peace, is among the latest programmes initiated by the Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka (FCCISL) under its Business for Peace Initiative (BPI).

The programme expects to teach either Sinhala or Tamil to the business community as the case may be in 10 districts through its Regional Chambers and assisted by the Official Languages Department which will provide competent instructors.

The districts involved are Puttalam, Anuradhapura, Vavuniya, Polonnaruwa, Ampara, Batticaloa, Mannar, Jaffna and Trincomalee.

The FCCISL said Sinhala would be studied by the business community in the predominantly Tamil areas while Tamil would be studied by the business community in predominantly Sinhala speaking areas which would eventually create a bridge connecting the two communities, a major step towards achieving peace.

Samantha Abewickrama, Secretary General/CEO said that the Official Languages Department has agreed to provide competent trained instructors in the two languages and also to prepare necessary curriculum and also to provide necessary text books.