Two 1st class stamps and a TEFL lesson please?

Post Office customers in Sneinton, Nottingham could be looking for a local TEFL teacher after having a run in with the local postmaster. Sri Lankan born Deva Kumarasiri recently hit the headlines due to his controversial stance on customers visiting the branch where he worked. Mr Kumarasiri would not serve locals who were unable speak English and refuses to back down, even since he has been forced to leave his job. If people were unable to ask as much as “can you help me” in English, Mr Kumarasiri simply turned them away. He stands by his comments claiming that if he can’t understand what they are asking for then he cannot provide his service properly and will not attempt to do so, and that he is only asking people to make the same efforts as he had done so when he moved to England. He also claims he is acting on behalf of his other customers that get help up in queues as a result of these breakdowns in communication.

His views have been met with mixed reaction. Many agree with his point and believe that everyone living in the UK should make an effort and be able to speak English. Others are angered at his inconsideration for people who have made the very same transition as he has, especially when they read that he was able to learn and speak English before he moved here. Not everyone has the chance to learn the English before arriving here and only learn once they have done so. Post Office Counters Ltd said in a statement that “branches were open to all customers” and “steps will be taken” to ensure this is the case at the Sneinton branch.

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