In a historic step toward promoting Hindi education in Sri Lanka, the country’s first certificate course in Hindi through open and distance learning was launched yesterday (Jan. 10).

The event  took place during the Bharat-Sri Lanka Hindi Sammelan, organized by the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre (SVCC), the cultural arm of the High Commission of India in Colombo, to mark the 50th-anniversary celebrations of World Hindi Day.
The certificate course, a collaborative initiative between the Open University of Sri Lanka and the SVCC, aims to make Hindi learning more accessible nationwide through the University’s Study Centers. The programme reflects the increasing demand for Hindi as an international language and marks a new milestone in academic cooperation between India and Sri Lanka.

The course was launched by Mr. Santosh Jha – High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, Dr. Madhura Seneviratne – Deputy Minister of Education and Higher Education of Sri Lanka, Professor Kapila Seneviratne – Chairman of the University Grants Commission in Sri Lanka and Professor P. M. C. Thilakarathne -Vice-Chancellor of the Open University of Sri Lanka. 

The Bharat-Sri Lanka Hindi Sammelan was presided over by Dr. Madhura Seneviratne, Deputy Minister of Education and Higher Education of Sri Lanka as the Chief Guest, alongside High Commissioner. In his remarks, the Deputy Minister emphasised Hindi language as a “communication bridge” between the two countries. He also lauded the role of music and entertainment industry of India in popularising the language across the world.

The Hindi Sammelan saw over 400 scholars, teachers, and students from India, Sri Lanka and Nepal participating. The day-long event included three plenary sessions with 25 distinguished speakers, a poetry recital, cultural performances celebrating shared heritage, and an open forum on the role of Hindi in modern education. The celebrations concluded with the screening of the Bollywood film English Vinglish, marking the finale of the Indian Film Fest 2025.

World Hindi Day, observed annually on January 10, commemorates the language’s global recognition when Hindi was first spoken at the United Nations General Assembly in 1949. In Sri Lanka, Hindi is now taught in 88 schools and nine public universities, reflecting its growing popularity. The launch of the Hindi certificate course signifies a milestone in promoting Hindi learning in Sri Lanka, creating opportunities for linguistic exchange and strengthening ties between the two nations.

🇮🇳🇱🇰 Hindi Sammelan in Colombo to mark 50th #WorldHindiDay!

Bharat-Sri Lanka Hindi Sammelan by @iccr_colombo brought together 400+ participants from 🇮🇳🇱🇰🇳🇵. The event was graced by HC @santjha, Deputy Edu. Min Hon. Dr. Madhura Seneviratne & UGC Chairman Prof. Kapila Seneviratne. pic.twitter.com/9ahqoW3AHj

— India in Sri Lanka (@IndiainSL) January 10, 2025