The provisions relating to the implementation of the official language policy of Sri Lanka are stipulated in Articles 18-25 of the Constitution, which provide for the provision of services to the citizen in the Official Languages, National Languages and Link languages. Accordingly, Article 25 of the Constitution states that the government shall facilitate the said matter. Accordingly, the National Language Division has been established under the Ministry of Justice and National Integration by the Extraordinary Gazette Notification No. 2412/08 and dated 25.11.2024.
The implementation of the Official Language Policy (OLP) in Sri Lanka is a collective effort and is enshrined in constitutional provisions. It also requires all stakeholders to move forward consistently, coherently and collectively to implement the Official Language Policy (OLP) effectively. In addition, language rights are a necessary condition for ensuring equal access to public services, and the government, as a client, is responsible for creating those opportunities.
The primary responsibility of the National Language Division is to formulate, implement and monitor policies related to the implementation of the Official Language Policy. Two (02) Provincial Centers have been established in the Northern and Eastern Districts of Kilinochchi and Batticaloa, and the Department of Official Languages, the Official Language Commission and the National Language Education and Training Institute are supervised and coordinated under the National Language Division. Furthermore, the ‘Language Call Center’, which operates as a hotline number 1956, which was started in 2012, also operates under the National Language Division.
Functions performed by the Division
1. Formulation and implementation of policies, plans related to the effective and efficient implementation of the official language policy
2. Program monitoring and institutional coordination
3. Technical facilitation for programs related to the implementation of the official language policy
