The Department of Translation Studies, Faculty of Arts, University of Jaffna conducted a workshop collaboration with the Department of Official Languages, being the official translator to the government on 05^th of March 2024 from 9.00 am onwards at Seminar hall, Faculty of Arts with the intention of covering the translator’s role, professional ethics for the translators, recent technologies related to the translation sector.

Well-experienced translators and language experts from the Department of Official Languages conducted this workshop to create a self image of translator within the undergraduates and to explore real-life translation experience to prepare the undergraduates for the translation industry in future.

The following officials from the Department of Official languages were participated as resource persons;

1. Mr. Shaminda Mahalekam : Commissioner of Official Languages (Translation)
2. Mr. Nalin Hettiarachchi : Superintendent of Translation(Sinhala/English)
3. Mr. T.Sandirasekaran      : Superintendent of Translation (Tamil/English)
4. Ms. Upekha D.Rajapaksha : Head – Glossary Compilation Unit
5. Ms. W.Tharangani Resika : Project Coordinator – Glossary

After the welcome note delivered by Mrs. Mathura Sivakumaran, Lecturer, Department of Translation Studies, Faculty of Arts, University of Jaffna. The main sessions were started.

Accordingly, the first session was conducted by Mr.Shaminda Mahalekam, Commissioner, Department of Official Languages regarding the role and the responsibilities of the Department of Official Languages in providing Translation Services within the country.

The second session was carried out by Mr. Nalin Hettiarachchi, Superintendent of Translation on the title of professional ethics for translation. This session mainly highlighted the international and national ethics of translation that should be followed by the professional translators when translating literary and non-literary translation.

Thirdly, Ms. Upekha D, Head, Glossary Compilation Unit delivered a comprehensive presentation on post-Globalization translation technologies and its impact on the translation industry in recent years.

Thereafter, a practical session was conducted by Mr. T. Santhirasekaran, Superintendent of Translation (Tamil/English). This session allowed participants to apply their knowledge and skill in real – world translation scenarios. The participants actively participated in this session in order to improve their practical skills to obtain comprehensive knowledge.

The workshop served as a platform for learning, networking, and skill development in the field of translation. Participants gained valuable insights into the responsibilities of the DOL, professional ethics, translation technologies, glossary compilation, and practical translation skills. The workshop featured a variety of sessions designed to accommodate a broad spectrum of language combination, ensuring that it delivered valuable learning opportunities for all participants. This useful workshop ended about 3.30pm.