The Government has taken steps to launch an English language training programme titled "English for All" in 130 centers island wide commencing from this month (July).

The project was originally developed at the Presidential Secretariat under the guidance of the Presidential Advisors in keeping with the aspiration of the Mahinda Chinthana with the object of improving the standard of English of school leavers and the general public.

The five-month project is free of charge.

The Government will spend Rs.16 million for the programme which will be conducted by the 'English and Foreign Language Unit' of the Ministry of Education.

The clientele will be the school leavers of any age who have not been able to make the best use of the formal system. The course will be strcutured in three levels, basic, intermediate and advanced and would be of 250 hours duration spread over 6 months.

The certificate awarded at the successful termination of these courses would provide evidence of the level of competence achieved.

Students interested in joining this programme are invited to submit the completed application form published in the 'Daily News', 'Thinakaran', and 'Dinamina' newspapers on the 14th of June, or to forward a self prepared application form to the relevant centers expressing interest in attending the programme.

More details pertaining to this programme can be obtained by calling 0112- 784808.