Hon. S.M. Marikkar,—To ask the Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education ,— (1)

(a) Will she inform this House —

(i) whether plans have been formulated to make it compulsory for teaching Sinhala language in Tamil medium schools and Tamil language in Sinhala medium schools;

(ii) if so, of the timeframe for its implementation;

(iii) whether teachers are available for the aforesaid purpose; and

(iv) if not, of the steps that will be taken to fill the relevant teacher vacancies?

(b) If not, why?