CBSL takes further steps to develop Tamil language proficiency

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) in collaboration with the Department of Official Languages (DOL) launched a scheme in 2010 to facilitate its staff to enhance their proficiency in the Tamil language.

The objective of this scheme was to provide the staff with the necessary skills in both Sinhala and Tamil languages, enabling them to discharge their duties efficiently and effectively in any part of the island. More than 250 Sinhala speaking officers of the CBSL participated in this scheme and the majority had improved their communication skills in Tamil language.

As an integral part of this educational programme, the CBSL has organised a series of debates in the Tamil language, aimed at enhancing the level of proficiency in the Tamil language of non-Tamil speaking officers of the bank who have followed the Tamil language training programmes.

Accordingly, a debate of this series was held on 4 May 2011 at the CBSL Head Office. Two teams comprising four officers each participated in this debate on the topic ‘Television is beneficial for society’. The topic was proposed by the team headed by A.H.M. Sham, while the team headed by V. Siripala debated against the topic. The moderator was A. Sundararaj.

The CBSL is of the view that such programmes will set an example to other institutions in the country to encouraging their employees to participate in such initiatives, which builds harmony amongst communities as well.