Small things for reconciliation

IN a bid to motivate public servants to learn an additional vernacular language the Prime Minister has revealed plans to give them an incentive. The effective implementation of this idea would not only boost growth but pave the way for reconciliation.

The language barrier has caused disaster in Sri Lanka as we have all observed during the bloody decades. Not that the formal war has concluded, it is time to resolve the often unacknowledged tension that remains between the different ethnicities in the country. The ability for public servants around the country to be able to converse in another language, particularly Tamil, will cement the reconciliation project while giving credibility to government plans.

Even though some people might wonder what is the point of learning Tamil when the link language of English exists and remain the gateway to the world it must be remembered that a lingo does more than communicate between people. Rather it communicates at several levels than just the verbal. Even a cursory glance at a language proves that the moods, idioms, ideas, sentiments, folklore and history of generations are inculcated into a language. These links cannot be completely established by a third language and this hampers a holistic understanding of the other person.

A conflict rooted in language can only be resolved through language. Over the years this issue has become the symbol behind several other contentions that the entire society has to deal with. Take for example the simple act of issuing national identity cards — an exclusive Sinhalese prerogative it would seem. Think of the policemen or army personnel who wish to do their duty to protect the nation but in the process offends people of other ethnicities simply because of his inability to communicate in Tamil. This continues to be a thorn that remains unaddressed and causes daily offence.

Check points in the north and east, police stations, government departments, universities and court houses – the list stretches on endlessly. To prove itself a government must do more than preach equality. It must prove its intentions through deeds and this must start at the policy making level. Measures should not be one sided with all public officials expected to be proficient of both Sinhala and Tamil regardless of what ethnicity they belong to.

Simple as this issue may seem it has spawned a war. The Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) has outlined a number of recommendations that would facilitate relations between Tamil and Sinhala people. The ability for public servants – who number over a million at the moment and stand one in 20 people — to speak in both these languages, would undoubtedly create a spill-over effect to the rest of society.

Perhaps it is time for other stakeholders including the private sector to take up this cause. There are many employees and employers that can make a huge difference in the institutions and communities that they work in by engaging with the others in their language. It breaks down barriers and promotes goodwill almost at an unprecedented level.

Reconciliation is about getting the small things right. It is about positively affecting the daily lives of millions of people not just within this country but spread around the world. Reaching out to them and linking all people together is what makes reconciliation the ultimate goal.