English proficiency vital for success in global world: LTTE Political Head

[TamilNet, Monday, 17 December 2007, 20:52 GMT]
"Eelam Tamils have excelled in military science and geo-political affairs at an International level. For our people to acquire skills and knowlege to succeed at the global level, opportunity and facilities to attain high levels of proficiency in English is critical," said B. Nadesan, the political head of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in his commencement address at the English Language College (ELC) in Ki'linochchi, on Saturday. The ELC, a Tamils' Rehabilitation Organization (TRO)-funded college, was established on September 13, 2004 to produce educators to fulfill the shortage of competent of English teachers in the NorthEast.

The fourth convocation of the college took place at the Ki'linochchi Cultural Hall Saturday. Ms. Nalayini, Principal, ELC, presided the event.

The events began after floral respects were paid to the portait late Brig S P Thamilchelvan, former political head of the Tigers, in the center stage.

Mr. Nadesan distributed the certificates to the graduating teachers. Nadesan said that the Tamil people are facing formidable challenges in the current climate of war. Large-scale military offensives, aerial bombings and artillery shelling, have displaced more than three hundred thousand Tamil people inside their own home land, Nadesan said.

"The Sinhala nation, by clamping economic embargo and educational hurdles on the path of the Tamil people, is attempting to curtail development and scuttle progress.

"Training programs, such as those conducted in this College, ensure that our people are protected from the conspiracy of the Sinhalese Government. The convocation events at ELC highlight the fact that development of the Tamil people can never be curtailed by the Government; and the events symbolize our collective dreams, and demonstrate our determination to achieve our dreams," he said.

"Our National Leader's desire is to create a framework to develop a dynamic, intelligent and productive nation. He encourages all administrators to ensure that everyone in our society have equal access to resources to develop their skills.

"But Sri Lanka Government is all out to destroy the spirit of our Tamil people who are fighting for their liberation. Colombo strives to push us to join the ranks of people who have been similarly crushed through atrocities of their own Governments. We refuse to become victims of such repressive measures using our own resourcefulness, determination, and perseverence," he added.

Underlining the crucial role of English language in the globalized world, the LTTE political head said, "Personal empowerment and development will be possible when our students become fluent and competent in the use of English language." He commended the teachers of the College in playing a critical role in laying the foundation for future economic success of NorthEast.

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