The Bangladesh High Commission in Colombo Tuesday observed International Mother Language Day 2023 at the historic Independence Square.

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, State Minister of Higher Education Suren Rāghavan, State Minister of Foreign Affairs Tharaka Balasuriya and heads of diplomatic missions and UN and international organisations were present.

People from all walks of life, including intellectuals, political and cultural personalities, high government officials, students, and scouts also joined in the observance.

On this occasion, Independence Square turned into a grand assembly of different language speakers.

The prime minister and other dignitaries expressed their feelings about the Day on canvas with the strokes of the brush and paint in their respective mother tongues, said the Bangladesh High Commission.

The programme began with the choral rendition of "Amar Bhaier Rokte Rangano" by the children of the high commission officials and their family members. After that, the audience observed a minute of silence, paying respect to the language martyrs.

To mark the day, under the patronage of the high commission and with the assistance of Sri Lanka's Ministry of Education, an island-wide creative writing and painting competition for children was launched two months ago on the theme "Mother Language: Unity in Diversity."

The winners of the competition were awarded at the programme.

The day's event also included multilingual cultural performances by students and performers of the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre, Russian House in Colombo, Maldivian Educational and Cultural Centre, Iranian Cultural Centre, SAARC Cultural Centre, Bangladesh High Commission and Sri Lanka singers.

In the song, recitation and dance forms in as many as eight languages, the performers showcased their respective cultural traditions and love for their mother tongue and motherland.

Bangladesh High Commissioner Tareq Md Ariful Islam reflected on the significance of the day, shared its historical perspective and emphasised the role of mother tongues in promoting an inclusive society and a peaceful world.

Suren spoke in three languages – English, Sinhala and Tamil – about the importance of the preservation of mother languages and linguistic diversity. UN Resident Coordinator Sarat Das spoke about the significance of multilingualism.