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Sri Lanka to recognize Sign Language as official language

deaf school girl learning online class on laptop communicating with teacher by video conference call using sign language

Sign language will be identified as a recognized language in Sri Lanka to benefit people with hearing disabilities.

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the proposal submitted by Finance Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa to make the necessary provisions to make sign language a formal means of communication in Sri Lanka.

The approval has been granted to empower people who are deaf or head of hearing by enabling sign language as a recognized language.

The bill will facilitate access for educational needs, legal matters, health facilities, various Government services, and private services.

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the proposal submitted by Finance Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa to make the necessary provisions by an Act of Parliament to make sign language a recognized language of Sri Lanka.

The Cabinet of Ministers has further advised the legal draftsman to draft the relevant bill in this regard.

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