English has played a significant role in the history of Sri Lanka, serving as the official language for well over a century under foreign rule. Despite being a language of foreign rulers, the people of Ceylon were eager to learn it, and some became proficient enough to produce books of high standard. However, the study of English was restricted to a small elite class due to the scarcity of English schools accessible only to those who could afford high fees and Western attire. This situation left the majority of the population devoid of the opportunity to learn the language.
Today, the landscape has drastically changed with the introduction of free education for every child in Sri Lanka. The government policy aims to provide equal opportunities to all, eliminating distinctions between English, Sinhala, and Tamil schools in terms of the curriculum. English has become a compulsory subject from the third standard onwards. While this presents an opportunity for students to gain a valuable skill, implementing this scheme effectively requires trained English teachers in all schools, which necessitates a significant investment of resources.
The importance of giving every child at least a basic knowledge of the English language cannot be overstated. English acts as a gateway to a vast treasure trove of knowledge. Without proficiency in English, one is deprived of access to the latest discoveries in science, medicine, engineering, economics, and other disciplines, as most publications in these fields are in English. Staying informed about global developments and participating in higher education, particularly in fields like medicine, archaeology, science, and others, becomes challenging without a grasp of the English language.
English has evolved into a global lingua franca, with over two-fifths of the world's population speaking it. It serves as the language of commerce and technology, enabling seamless communication across different countries and cultures. Being an official language in numerous countries, including Great Britain, the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa, English's widespread use extends its reach to various corners of the globe.
Furthermore, English boasts a rich literary tradition that has flourished since the time of Geoffrey Chaucer. Works by literary giants like Marlowe, Shakespeare, Milton, Pope, Tennyson, Scott, Dickens, Carlyle, and countless others have contributed to the extensive and diverse English literature. Moreover, practically every significant book from other languages finds its way into English, making it a language of invaluable literary exploration.
English has also established itself as the language of science and technology, with most research in these fields being conducted and published in English. German and Russian scientists also publish their findings in English, highlighting its prominent role in disseminating knowledge in medicine, science, technology, and mathematics.
In the rapidly evolving world, knowledge becomes outdated quickly. Staying informed about the latest developments in astronomy, medical science, space travel, architecture, radio, and television requires access to contemporary information, which is predominantly available in English. Relying on translations limits one's ability to keep up with these dynamic and transformative changes.
To impart English knowledge efficiently, the study of the language must be given its proper place in schools, colleges, and universities. Modern teaching methods and techniques need to be introduced, and teachers must receive comprehensive training. Employing modern publications and making the learning process enjoyable for students will lead to satisfactory results from the resources invested in English language education.
In conclusion, English language education in Sri Lanka has undergone a transformative journey from being accessible only to a privileged few to becoming a compulsory subject for every child. Recognizing the immense benefits of English proficiency, the government aims to provide equal opportunities for all children. Embracing English not only opens doors to knowledge but also facilitates global communication and understanding. Investing in proper training and modern teaching methods will undoubtedly yield positive results, empowering future generations to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.