It was amusing to read your reader’s query on the origin of the above terms. To me, he seems to be a Rip Van Winkle - (no offence meant).

For with the introduction of the Sinhala Only Bill-which was intellectual suicide - a new culture was born rotating in Colombo 7 - viz the elocution culture.

Those wanting to acquire some knowledge of English thought it was possible via elocution with the introduction of elocution classes in every nook and corner came the emphasis on pronunciation.

But not only "thaththi and ammi" but in practically every Sinhala home the language spoken even today became "Singlish" - e.g. "silence eke innawa" (remain silent) "longs pairekak andha" (in a pair of longs) " father enawa" (father is coming) etc.

Now even the electronic media and members of Parliament use "Singlish" in their speeches and advertisements. Also further corruption has crept in through Americanisms e.g. "Kids" used for "children".

Yes, since independence, when we won freedom from foreign rule, but lost our individual independence, the country has progressed backwards.

Sad but true?
Resident
Polgasowita