Sri Lankan PM Pays Tribute to Language Martyrs

Colombo, Sri Lanka – Sri Lankan Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya paid tribute to the language martyrs of Bangladesh and commended the country’s efforts in preserving mother tongues and linguistic diversity.

Speaking at a ceremony organized by the Bangladesh High Commission (BHC) in Colombo to mark International Mother Language Day, Dr. Amarasuriya lauded Bangladesh’s commitment to safeguarding linguistic heritage, a press release from the High Commission stated.

Observance of International Mother Language Day

The Bangladesh High Commission in Colombo observed Martyrs’ Day and International Mother Language Day 2025 with due solemnity at Independence Square, a historic landmark in the Sri Lankan capital.

The event was graced by Sri Lankan Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs & Foreign Employment, UN Resident Coordinator, Secretary to the Prime Minister, Foreign Secretary, Education Secretary, and Home Secretary, along with Heads of Diplomatic Missions and International Organizations, as per the press release.

People from all walks of life—including government officials, academics, intellectuals, political and cultural figures, as well as hundreds of students and scouts—participated in the program, making Independence Square a vibrant hub of multilingual unity.

Organized in collaboration with the Sri Lankan Ministry of Education, United Nations in Sri Lanka, and Sri Lanka Scout Association, this year’s observance carried the theme: “Language for Peace and Harmony.”

A Tribute to Linguistic Diversity

The program commenced with a choral rendition of the iconic Ekushey song performed by members of the High Commission and the Sri Lankan Muslim Choral Ensemble.

A minute of silence was observed in honor of the language martyrs, as attendees stood in solemn tribute, the press release noted.

In his welcome address, Bangladesh High Commissioner Andalib Elias emphasized the crucial role of mother tongues in fostering global peace and harmony. He urged collective efforts to protect and promote linguistic and cultural diversity, reinforcing the spirit of unity in a multilingual world.