Abstract:
This study investigates the myth of the English language as an access to equality in the
post-colonial era in the present socio-economic-political culture in Sri Lanka. This is a
literature-oriented research study based on the current state of English language and the
role of English language education, in facilitating the process of poverty reduction and
the promotion of equality in Sri Lanka. The researcher attempts to clarify the opinions,
biases, presuppositions and interpretations of the existing socio-economic and political
culture in relation to English as a language of opportunities and equality. The analysis of
data reveals the dominant power of English as a global language, and the inequality in
relation to access and allocation of public resources in diverse communities.
Furthermore, it exposes recent proposals and accountabilities of the government on the
elimination of poverty and the myth about English language as a panacea.
The majority of the Sri Lankan hold the view that English, as a universal language, is
vital not only for lucrative local or foreign employment opportunities, but also for equal
social standing. It is revealed in the data that while the affluent parents clamour for
international or foreign schooling to secure better prospects for their children, the
government faces increasing pressures to fulfil the demands of the majority of lowincome
parents whose children belong to the state school system. It seems the access
to equal opportunities, to learn English, has created a social gap between the elite and
the majority of low-income communities. Thus, the government contemplates
establishing English as the medium of instruction and a compulsory subject. A
conclusion could be drawn that the common use of English, the initiation of the language
policy in education and the expectations of the masses could all be at odds. Thus this
myth of English as a language of opportunities needs to be urgently addressed if the
expected socio-economic-political and national goals of elimination of poverty and
promotion of equality are to be achieved in Sri Lanka.
