July 19, Colombo: The second phase of the presidential initiative on English as a Life Skill programme was launched today at a ceremony held in the President's official residence Temple Trees with the participation of President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

The programme promotes English Language Skills, especially speaking and communication skills across the country with the guidance and support of the Presidential Task Force on English and IT, the Ministry of Education, and the Provincial Ministries of Education.

On July 19, 2009, the President launched the National Road Map to promote Spoken/ Communicative English skills in Sri Lanka.

Under the first phase, a cadre of 80 master trainers and 320 assistant trainers in Spoken English from all nine Provinces were trained at the English and Foreign Languages University (EFLU), Hyderabad.

Additional Secretary for education Quality Development of the Ministry of Education Hemantha Premathilake in a presentation informed the President that Sixty percent of the 22,500 English teachers of the country are trained to teach spoken English through an accelerated programme that will be completed by the end of the year.

A teacher guide for spoken English was produced, used, and revised by the Master Trainers during the 1st phase.

The preparation of a Teacher Guide on 'Sri Lankan English Standards' is also underway by an Academic Committee and their work will be completed in August 2010.

Education Minister Bandula Gunawardena, Secretary to the President Lalith Weerathunge, Adviser to the President and Coordinator/ English and convener of the President Task force on English and IT Sunimal Fernando were also in the picture.

(Pictures by Sudath Silva)