Japan Provided Human Resource Development Scholarships
to Young Sri Lankan Public Officials
The Government of Japan has provided opportunities for young public officers with high potential to pursue a two-year Masters Degree in Japan with a view to contributing to the development efforts of Sri Lanka under its Human Resource Development Scholarship scheme. A sum of 208 million Japanese Yen (approximately Rs. 280 million) was provided to cover the expenses for the 1st and 2nd batches of 30 scholars.
This scholarship scheme was initiated in 2010 in Sri Lanka and this year 15 officials were awarded the scholarship. They have been selected from four Ministries, namely, Ministries of Finance and Planning, Public Administration and Home Affairs, Economic Development and Provincial Councils and Local Government to pursue their Masters Degree programs in public policy, public administration, regional development and poverty alleviation, and macro and development economics at the International University of Japan, International Christian University and Hiroshima University. Upon completion of the study program, the officers are expected to contribute towards the preparation of comprehensive development and poverty reduction plans as well as public policy for Sri Lanka utilizing their practical knowledge and skills gained in Japan.
The Government of Japan gives much emphasis to human resource development and technical cooperation through “people” and provides various study and training opportunities for Sri Lankan people. So far over 11,000 Sri Lankan trainees have completed short and long-term training in Japan and in third countries through Japan’s assistance. In addition, Japan is presently conducting training programs on community development for frontline officers in the Northern and Eastern Provinces.
The signing of the Exchange of Notes for the Human Resource Development Scholarship scheme took place on 29 June at the Ministry of Finance and Planning between H.E. Mr. Kunio Takahashi, Ambassador of Japan on behalf of the Government of Japan and Dr. P.B. Jayasundera, Secretary, Ministry of Finance and Planning on behalf of the Government of Sri Lanka. In addition, the signing of the Grant Agreements took place between Mr. Akira Shimura, Chief Representative of JICA Sri Lanka Office and Dr. P.B. Jayasundera,
