
The Ministry of Education signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the US Peace Corps recently with an aim of improving English language courses, through the US Peace Corps Aid Sri Lanka though its Volunteer Teacher Program.
Minister of Education, Akila Viraj Kariyawasam stated that the mission of the Ministry is to develop competent citizens in keeping with the global trends through innovative and modern approaches. He stated that he believes that this partnership would provide immense support to improve the English language education in Sri Lanka.
The Acting Deputy Ambassador for the U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka, Robert Hilton stated that they believe that English language can serve as a bridge between Sri Lanka’s linguistic communities as a common language of communication to increase mutual understanding.
The first 25 American Peace Corps volunteers will arrive in Sri Lanka in late 2019, and will undergo three months of comprehensive cultural, language, and technical training before they are given their assignments to serve for two years.
The Country Director of the US Peace Corps, Kristin B. Besch stated that the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding confirms the joint commitment to support English language education in Sri Lanka. He concluded his statement by saying that as Sri Lankan students and teachers improve their English language skills and teaching methods, the volunteers will learn our languages and become a part of our family and community.