At Bangladesh High Commission, Colombo

Bangladesh High Commission, Colombo observed the International Mother Language Day (IMLD) - 2022 last morning at the historic Independence Square with the gracious presence of Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, Education Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, Trade Minister Bandula Gunawardena, State Minister Tharaka Balasuriya, head of diplomatic missions, representatives of UN organisations and hundreds of students from different schools across the island. The theme of this year’s celebration was “Mother-Mother Language- Motherland”. 

The observance was arranged in partnership with the Ministry of Education of Sri Lanka with the support of UN Offices in Colombo and Scouts Association of Sri Lanka. .

In his welcome remarks, High Commissioner of Bangladesh Tareq Md Ariful Islam narrated Bangladesh’s lead role in UNESCO’s proclamation of the International Mother Language Day and shared the Day’s historical perspective. Sri Lankan Education and Trade Ministers and UN Resident Coordinator spoke about the importance of preservation and protection of mother tongues and the significance of multilingualism. This creative initiative of the High Commission was also appreciated by the dignitaries. 

On this occasion, with the assistance of Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Education, an island-wide creative writing and art competition for children was conducted. In today’s event, the fifteen winners received their awards and certificates from the Prime Minister and other dignitaries.