SOCIAL INTEGRATION COMES UNDER SCRUTINY AGAIN

13 more districts targeted after successful completion of 12

The Ministry of National Languages and Social Integration is currently in the process of conducting an islandwide survey to ascertain the status of social integration in the country.

Data for 12 districts that was collected last year was currently being analysed while data collection for the remaining 13 districts was also expected to be completed this year.

A pilot survey conducted in the Ratnapura District had revealed that access to public services in the Tamil language re-

A pilot survey conducted in the Ratnapura District had revealed that access to public services in the Tamil language remained limited

mained limited, and steps were being taken to rectify the problem through enhanced language training for public servants, Ministry sources said. The study conducted by the Ministry, which was mandated to implement the official languages policy, found that a majority of the Tamil-speaking population in Ratnapura did not have access to public services in their mother tongue. It found that over 75% of Tamil-speaking people had no access to services in the Tamil language at Police Stations (84.6%), Grama Niladhari offices (83%), and Provincial Councils (75.6%).

Among those who reported that they do not have access to public services in their mother tongue, 86% had stated that they obtained services from government institutions with the help of a friend or on payment to someone.