A special event, organised by the Interpreters’ Office of Parliament to mark the International Translation Day, which fell on 30 September, was recently held in Committee Room No. 02 of the Parliament of Sri Lanka.
The event, headed by the Chief Parliamentary Interpreter, Attorney-at-Law C. J. Karunaratne, featured an in-depth discussion on how language has served as a vital tool for the survival and evolution of mankind.
Karunaratne noted that the United Nations General Assembly has declared World Translation Day since 2017, recognising the significance of the unique professions of translation and interpretation in a context where the entire world understands the timely importance of them.
“As professionals in the field of translation and interpretation, which is recognised worldwide, we all have much to be proud of. The role of interpreters, who play a unique role in the legislative work of the Sri Lankan Parliament, is not limited to just a profession, but has become a respected service that unites nations and countries, dispelling suspicions among people. We can all be proud of it,” the Chief Parliamentary Interpreter emphasised.
He also expressed his appreciation for the support extended by the panel of Secretaries, including the Secretary General of Parliament, Kushani Rohanadeera, and the Director of the Department of Legislative Services, Jayalath Perera, in strengthening the division by integrating translators into the Interpreters’ Office of the Parliament of Sri Lanka.
Adding a fresh approach to this event, Deputy Chief Parliamentary Interpreter of Parliament, Arumugam Sarawanabavanandan, presented a sociological analysis on the role of language, as a unique human invention, in shaping man as the most powerful species on earth. He also highlighted the prominent place that translation, as an evolution of language, occupies in the modern world.
President of the Association of Parliamentary Interpreters, S. Pradeep, outlined the role of the Association in advancing the development of interpreters. As part of this effort, a draft of the Code of Ethics for Parliamentary Interpreters was also presented to the Chief Parliamentary Interpreter, C. J. Karunaratne.
At this event, held with the participation of Parliamentary interpreters and translators, Deputy Chief Parliamentary Interpreters, A.G.M. Fiqhri, K.D. Rohan Padmasiri and the Translator, A.F. Fayas Mohammed, also added their valuable comments, while Senior Parliamentary Interpreter, Ms. N.B.C.J. Nissanga, hosted the event.
