Jan 18, Colombo: The Government of India is undertaking a project to set up nine language labs in the nine provinces of Sri Lanka.

The Indian government will be providing appropriate equipment and teaching aids to set up a language laboratory of 30 computer units in each of the nine provinces of Sri Lanka.

The project is implemented under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between India and Sri Lanka on 13 September 2011 to set up a "Three-Tier English Language Training System" in the island.

The project will help in enhancing the English language training infrastructure in Sri Lanka, raise the general level of proficiency in English language of various sections of society, impart training in the use of English language and familiarize English language teachers from schools, colleges and universities in Sri Lanka on recent trends in English language teaching and upgrade their skills, the Indian High Commission said in a statement.

Following a two-bid tender process M/s Metropolitan Office (Pvt) Ltd., has been issued a purchase order to set up the language labs envisaged in the Project at a cost of RS.84 million.

The project will be implemented under full grant assistance of the Indian government and will be completed in three months.

The Government of India had earlier helped to set up a Centre of English Language Training (CELT) at Peradeniya in 2009. The assistance included 41 computers for the trainees and teachers, along with sophisticated English learning software and hardware. The Indian government had also provided training to 40 Sri Lankan Master Trainers at the English and Foreign Language University, Hyderabad, during 2008-09.