Why Sri Lanka’s Telugu-speaking community is turning to Telugu University for support
HYDERABAD: Relations between Sri Lanka and Telugu-speaking communities date back to ancient times, and Telugu migrants have continued to preserve their linguistic identity despite generations of settlement on the island, according to a statement issued by Suravaram Pratap Reddy Telugu University.
The university said several lakh Telugu-speaking people had migrated to Sri Lanka from Telugu and Tamil regions over the years for livelihood purposes. Despite the passage of two or three generations, many among them continue to retain interest in learning and speaking Telugu.
C.M. Ambalagan, president of the All Ceylon Telugu Congress, wrote to the Vice-Chancellor of Suravaram Pratap Reddy Telugu University, Acharya Veludanda Nityananda Rao, seeking assistance for Telugu language promotion among nearly six lakh Telugu-speaking people living in Sri Lanka.
Telugu language promotion initiative proposed
According to the university, Ambalagan requested institutional support to unite Telugu-speaking people in Sri Lanka and promote Telugu language learning among younger generations.
In a press statement, Vice-Chancellor Acharya Veludanda Nityananda Rao said the university would remain committed to the promotion of Telugu language, literature and culture.
He said the university was prepared to provide study material and teaching support for Telugu learners in Sri Lanka. He added that if boarding and lodging arrangements were provided by the Sri Lankan side, the university could identify and send teachers, research scholars and retired persons willing to participate in the initiative in phases.
Embassy consultations in progress
The Vice-Chancellor said consultations were underway with officials of the Sri Lankan Embassy regarding the proposed programme and an action plan could be finalised soon.
He also appreciated D.P. Anuradha for contributing to the initiative.
