NDB supports International Sign Language Day, launches ‘Code of Ethics’ book

International Sign Language Day 2023 was celebrated by the Department of Social Services (DSS) at Sethsiripaya, Battramulla, with over 250 participants, including representatives from the Deaf community, government officials, sponsors, well-wishers and guests. DSS is the main government body that provides Sign Language Interpretation Services to the Deaf community in the country.

For the first time in Sri Lanka, the Department of Social Services (DSS) published and launched a ‘Code of Ethics’ book for Sign language Interpreters. Also, for the first time in Sri Lanka, DSS conducted an all-island ‘Sign Language Oratory Competition’ for Deaf children and adults.

NDB Bank, as part of their Corporate Sustainability activities sponsored the publication of the ‘Code of Ethics’ book and the prizes for the winners of the ‘Sign Language Oratory Competition’. It was heartening to see the winners in each category perform and speak on the topics of ‘Protecting Our Environment’ and ‘The Importance of Sign Language’.

The Chairperson of the NDB Corporate Sustainability Committee, Melody Wickramanayake, said; “This ‘Code of Ethics’ book is a vital tool to ensure that interpreters maintain high standards of professional conduct in their capacity and identity as interpreters.”

Speaking to the Bank, government Sign Language Interpreter Dinesh Fernando stated that there are around 500,000 Deaf people in Sri Lanka with 25 schools for the Deaf, however, to date, there has been no legal document for Sign Language Interpreters. Therefore, the publication of the ‘Code of Ethics’ book is a huge achievement on behalf of the Deaf in Sri Lanka and is a forerunner to the proposed Act of Parliament pertaining to Sign language for the Deaf Community in Sri Lanka. This ‘Code of Ethics’ book has been developed by a community-based consultation model where various parties had input, including the National Institute of Education, Sign Language Interpreters, the deaf community, teachers, etc., to ensure quality of service for all persons involved. The team also studied and incorporated international best practices.

Considering that this is a government-issued legal document, interpreters are required to abide by the Code of Ethics and follow the Guidelines for Professional Conduct. The underlying values in the book include professional conduct, accountability, confidentiality, providing service with respect, integrity, honesty and non-discrimination.

International Sign Language Day 2023 is celebrated worldwide to raise awareness of the importance of Sign Language in the full realisation of the human rights of people who are deaf. The theme for the 2023 International Day of Sign Languages is ‘A World Where Deaf People Everywhere Can Sign Anywhere!’.

Sign Language is a visual language that is complete with rules, grammar and words, letting people express their thoughts, feelings and ideas. Communication through sign language is critical for individuals in the Deaf community who may not have other ways to easily communicate.

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