In 2007, the British Council organised its First English Policy Dialogue in Chennai and followed-up the next year in Kolkatta with the Second Policy Dialogue. In 2009, the conversation continued at the English for Progress: Third Policy Dialogue in New Delhi.

We aim to continue the dialogue on key issues through English Policy Think Tanks with emphasis on the recommendations from the Policy Dialogues. The Think Tanks will focus on the following areas:

			Continuous Professional Development (CPD)
			In-service Teacher Education for English Language Teachers
			Pre-service Teacher Education
			English Language Curriculum Reform

The Think Tanks will bring together key policy makers related to language policy in teacher education, senior officials responsible for designing and managing teacher education and experts from India and the UK.   

English in India and Sri Lanka: The context

Recent research in India and Sri Lanka indicates that, despite being home to sizable pool of English speaking population, the region is confronted with a massive language skill gap. This is indicated by the fact that demand for competent English speaking manpower continues to outstrip supply and that large portion of the graduate pool lacks English communicative fluency and interpersonal skills. This, in-turn, is limiting the ability of the industry and services sector to find professionals with skills required for modern-day working.

The silver lining is that in recent years, increased awareness, and subsequent government initiatives, is beginning to have an impact on English language teaching in the region. The British Council, with global expertise in English language, teaching, training and research, aims to facilitate the reform process through partnership and deliberation with key stakeholders.