21 February 2015 Current Affairs
Chrishantha de Silva Appointed as Sri Lanka Army chief
Former Chief of Staff of the Army Major General Chrishantha de Silva has been appointed as the 21st Commander of the Sri Lanka Army (SLA) by President Maithripala Sirisena. He will succeed Lieutenant General Daya Ratnayake with effect from 22 February 2015.De Silva had joined the Sri Lanka Army as cadet officer in 1980 and has served in many regions including operational areas.
Rashad Hussain Appointed As US Special Envoy and Coordinator
Indian-American Rashad Hussain has been appointed Special Envoy and Coordinator for Strategic Counterterrorism Communications in the United States (US). Hussain is currently the Special Envoy of the US to Organisation of Islamic Countries (OIC) and will hold both the posts. As Special Envoy he will lead a staff from a number of U.S. departments and agencies to expand global engagement and partnerships of the US to counter violent extremism.As part of new role, he will also coordinate, orient, and inform government-wide strategic communications focused on violent extremists and terrorist organisations.
International Mother Language Day Observed Across The World On 21 February
International Mother Language Day (Bhasha Divas) was observed across the world on 21 February 2015. This day is observed with an aim to promote awareness of linguistic, multilingualism and cultural diversity. International Mother Language Day was announced by UNESCO on 17 November 1999 and was formally recognised by the United Nations General Assembly in its resolution establishing 2008 as the International Year of Languages. It celebrates cultural diversity and commemorates the “language martyr” students of 1952 Bangladesh. In 1952 four students were killed on 21 February 1952 because they campaigned to officially use Bengali as their mother language in Bangladesh instead of Urdu. These students are honored by the encouragement of multiculturalism and the promotion of protective measures for endangered languages. Current International Mother Language Day events include multicultural festivals which promote the hearing of all voices, and display social cohesion, cultural awareness, and tolerance. The unique nuances and subtleties of linguistic communication which connect individuals to culture and personal identity are valued and encouraged.