Sri Lanka launches free sign language training for media professionals

The National Secretariat for Persons with Disabilities, operating under the Ministry of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment, has announced plans to deliver free sign language training to working journalists. The programme represents a significant step toward improving accessibility in Sri Lankan media and strengthening communication channels between news organisations and persons with disabilities.

Official statements indicate the training course aims to equip journalists with practical sign language skills, enabling them to conduct interviews and report on stories involving deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals more effectively. By removing communication barriers, the initiative is expected to increase visibility of disability-related issues in mainstream news coverage.

Beyond immediate communication benefits, the secretariat views the programme as a tool for advancing broader social objectives. Training journalists in sign language is seen as integral to building a more inclusive media landscape and strengthening the profession's capacity to reflect diverse perspectives across Sri Lankan society.

The secretariat has not yet announced specific start dates or enrolment details for the training course. Further information regarding programme schedule and application procedures is expected to be released through official channels in coming weeks.