Our Mission
To foster linguistic proficiency and cultural understanding through innovative and high-quality education programs.
Our Vision
To be a globally recognized institute that shapes the future of language education and cross-cultural communication.
Who We Are
The National Institute of Language Education and Training (NILET) is a statutory body established under Act No. 26 of 2007. Its mandate is to promote language learning and enhance linguistic proficiency across Sri Lanka. The institute initially focused on Sinhala and Tamil to support the Official Language Policy and later expanded its curriculum to include a range of foreign languages and other language related courses catering to the evolving linguistic needs of the country.
NILET operates as a key institution in language education, collaborating with ministries and other stakeholders to design and implement specialized training programs. The institute transitioned to a self-financed model in 2024, ensuring sustainability in delivering high-quality language training.
NILET’s training programs cater to diverse learners, offering structured courses designed to develop language skills for academic, professional, and social purposes. The institute remains committed to excellence in language education, equipping individuals with the necessary linguistic competence to thrive in a multilingual society.
Head Office
321/1, High Level Road, Makumbura, Pannipitiya
The Head Office of NILET is located at 321/1, High Level Road, Makumbura, Pannipitiya. This central location serves as a hub for organizing and implementing a wide range of language courses. Conveniently situated near the Makumbura exit of the Southern Expressway and the Makumbura Multi-Modal Transport.
View on MapRegional Training Centers
Agalawatta Training Centre
Galewatta, Agalawatta, Kalutara District
The Agalawatte Training Centre, located in Galewatta, Agalawatta, within the Kalutara District, serves as a key facility of NILET. Situated approximately 100 km from Colombo, the center is surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, creating a serene and inspiring environment for learning.
Spanning 2.5 acres, the center offers a picturesque setting with residential facilities, fostering a practical, aesthetic, and intellectually stimulating atmosphere. This unique environment enhances the overall language learning experience, making it an ideal space for immersive education and professional development.
View on MapObjectives and Functions
Objectives
- To generate competent teachers to teach Sinhala, Tamil and English to those who are desirous of acquiring such knowledge
- To generate competent translators and interpreters in the Sinhala, Tamil, and English languages who shall constitute the National Translators Service and the National Interpreters Service to be established by written law.
- To generate qualified trainers to train language teachers, translators and interpreters in the Sinhala, Tamil and English Languages.
- To generate trained persons with trilingual capabilities for the efficient provision of services to the public.
Functions
- To provide extensive training in the Sinhala, Tamil and English languages so as to make available persons competent to teach Sinhala, Tamil and English to persons who are desirous of acquiring such knowledge. To provide extensive training in the Sinhala, Tamil and English languages so as to make available persons competent to teach Sinhala, Tamil and English to persons who are desirous of acquiring such knowledge.
- To conduct research and studies on issues relating to language training, with a view to utilizing the results of such research and studies for the effective functioning of the Institute
- To provide training and education to suitable persons in languages and to award certificates and diplomas to successful candidates on completion of such training and education.
- To build up a body of trained personnel equipped to undertake the teaching of languages.
- To establish a repository of information on matters relating to languages.
- To conduct specified language courses in Sinhala, Tamil and English languages for special categories of person such as interpreters, translators and stenographers.
- To undertake, assist, and promote linguistic research activities in Sinhala, Tamil and English languages and foreign languages and where it appears to be necessary make recommendation to the relevant authorities on the improvements and changes to be made to the Sinhala, Tamil and English languages.