Elements of the OLP Implementation Strategy
The OLP implementation strategy can be defined as a set of guidelines, a framework to assist the key ministries and their institutions to provide services to the people of Sri Lanka in the official language of their choice. It will require from each ministry and institution a language planning process to identify the bilingual services to be offered in specific regions of the country based on the population to be served, as well as the human and financial resources required. It will also require a thorough analysis of the public officers and positions needed to offer the services, the expected level of bilingual capacity and the development and delivery of language training plans, as required.
It will set the stage for a more equitable participation of both linguistic groups within the Public Service, through tools, materials and services offered in their language in all key areas and in all administrative centers of the country, as well as for an education system that provides opportunities for all students to learn the language and appreciate the culture of the other national language community, as well as the English language.
Finally, the OLP implementation strategy will include the design and structure of an Accountability Framework in order to monitor the results of the OLP implementation strategy, assess the Official Language performance of government ministries and institutions, provide feedback and recommendations, and report annually to Parliament and to the general public on the status of the OLP implementation within the government of Sri Lanka.
Hilaire Lemoine
Language Policy Advisor/NLEAP Special Advisor/Language Policy and International Relations,
Official Languages and Bilingualism Institute (OLBI), University of Ottawa
