09/25/2025
Be Proud of Your Own Language
Language is more than just a tool of communication—it is a reflection of culture, identity, and national pride. Around the world, in developed nations especially, people hold their native tongues with deep respect. They use them with pride in international forums, government, education, and daily life.
Unfortunately, in many underdeveloped countries that still struggle with the remnants of colonization, this sense of pride is often absent. Instead, there is a tendency to glorify and prioritize the languages imposed by former colonizers—English, Spanish, French, and others—over their own. Sri Lanka is no exception. Too often we see people looking down on their mother tongue while elevating the language of colonizers as a mark of prestige.
This mindset is not accidental. Colonial rulers deliberately created such divides. In Sri Lanka, English education was not made available to the masses—it was a privilege reserved for a select few. This fostered inequality, entrenched divisions, and gave birth to systems of racism and supremacy that still echo in society today. The aftereffects remain visible: a deep-seated belief that fluency in English automatically signals superiority.
Let us be clear—English is important. It is the global lingua franca, essential for international communication, business, and diplomacy. I myself am writing this in English, and I prefer to perform in English. But that should not mean our native languages are devalued or disregarded. True independence is not only political or economic—it is also cultural and linguistic.
Look at Thailand, a relatively small country that has never been colonized. Its people are fiercely proud of their language and culture, and they use it with confidence both at home and abroad. This is the kind of strength and independence we must aspire to.
Even at the highest global stage—the United Nations—leaders of powerful nations address the world in their own languages. They do not compromise on their identity to gain respect; they earn it by standing tall in who they are.
In this light, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s recent address to the UN in his own language was an inspiring and commendable act. It sent a strong message: that Sri Lanka can speak to the world in its own voice, without needing to hide behind the language of former colonizers.
It is time we as a nation embrace this same pride. Let us encourage and respect the use of our mother tongue in every sphere—education, media, governance, and beyond. Only then can we truly stand independent, proud, and united.
Shean Dharmaratna-Elevate Global Media/ Amnesty International USA/ United Nations Development Programme - UNDP
Anura Kumara Dissanayake
Harini Amarasuriya
Vraie Cally Balthazaar
Shiran Dias
Yasas Hewage
Yazmin Yousuf
