Accepting the invitation extended by NLEAP, the High Commissioner for Canada in Sri Lanka Hon. Eric Walsh and his team including Deputy Director- Sri Lanka Programme from GAC HQ- Jared Brading, Head of Cooperation- Linda Ehrichs, CHC Political Officer- Gobinath Ponnuthurai, CHC Development Officer-Wipula Dahanayake made an official visit on 3^rd of February, 2023 to University of Jaffna to discuss the academic progress of the Department of Translation Studies.

During his visit, an official meeting was arranged between the staff of the Department of Translation Studies and Canadian High commissioner and his delegates in the Board Room at 3.p.m. The meeting was chaired by Prof. S. Srisatkunarajah, Vice Chancellor, University of Jaffna. Prof. S.Raguram- Dean, Faculty of Arts, University of Jaffna, Michel Emblem Director, NLEAP-, Thirunavukarasu Marimuthu, Deputy Director, NLEAP, Niyas Raskin, Language Policy and Teaching Specialist, NLEAP, Dr.S.K.Kannathas, Head, Department of Translation Studies, S.Sheliyna, Lecturer (Probationary)- R. Priyanadhi, Lecturer (Probationary), M.Mayuri, Assistant Lecturer and students of the department of Translation Studies have attended the meeting.

The Vice chancellor of University of Jaffna welcomed the guests and shared his opinion about the Jaffna People’s lifestyle, including their interest in preserving pure Tamil in Jaffna. He highlighted that people in Jaffna are bilingual in English and Tamil whereas People of other provinces are becoming trilingual, including Sinhala. This is indicated as a drawback in Northern Province. He insisted on the importance of translation as a carrier and how the University of Jaffna is much interested in promoting Translation Studies in producing capable translators for the nation.  He further stated that our university is keen in maintaining Gender Equality through Gender Equity/Equality Centre. At this juncture, the Canadian High commissioner extended his pleasure to visit the University of Jaffna.

Following his address, Dr.S.K.Kannathas, Head, Department of Translation Studies delivered his address. He extended his warm welcome to the delegates and provided a brief note about the Department History, the present progress of the department with the cooperation of NLEAP and the publications of the department. It is important to note that, Translation Studies Department, as a unit has been offering a special degree in Translation studies since 2011.  From 2015 onwards, UGC with the Collaboration of NLEAP and Ottawa University of Canada, selected students through a separate window under a competitive manner and the Degree has been offered as B.A (Hons.) in Translation Studies. The path opened to an entire nation where multiple streams of students from 25 administrative districts get the opportunity, annually. So far, seven batches have successfully graduated from the Department. He also highlighted that the Department annually, publishes the magazine and translated books of the students to enhance the performance of the students. Further, he highlighted that, with the support of NLEAP and other three Universities including University of Kelaniya, University of Sabaragamuwa and Eastern University is in the process of developing a curriculum for Diploma in Community Interpretation for Sinhala-Tamil and a proposal is submitted to the Dean Office to introduce B.A in Translation Studies for Sinhala-Tamil Languages.

Following his address, Mr.Niyas highlighted the importance of Gender and Woman Empowerment course unit  which is included into the curriculum of Diploma in Community Interpretation and he also stated that a meeting was held with the advisory committee to consider B.A Degree in Translation Studies as a quality of the applicants for the Translator Job. Mr. Thirunavukarasu stated that measures have been taken to increase the Translators’ salary in Government Sectors.

Finally, a discussion was held with the students of Translation Studies. High Commissioner was much interested to listen to the student’s interests to choose the course as their carrier path. He also asked about the translation job’s need in Sri Lanka. The meeting was wound up at 4.15 p.m with the vote of thanks delivered by the Dean of the Faculty of Arts.