Japanese grant assistance to Sri Lanka’s human resource development

Friday, 26 July 2024 00:08 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Government of Sri Lanka signed a grant agreement amounting 304 million Japanese Yen (equivalent to Rs. 575 million) on 19 July at the office of the Secretary to the Treasury, to support the Project for Human Resource Development Scholarships (JDS) program in Sri Lanka.

This agreement would enable 17 officials from various public sector organisations to enter in master’s and doctoral programs at esteemed Japanese universities starting from 2025.

Since the JDS program’s launch in 2010, 192 public sector professionals have successfully completed their degrees in economics, industry, agriculture, finance, disaster risk reduction, and business management, including 186 master’s and six doctoral degrees. These officials are applying the knowledge they gained through the program to enhance the socioeconomic development of the country. Presently, 24 officials are pursuing master’s degrees, and six officials are pursuing doctorates in Japan under the JDS scheme.

Secretary Mahinda Siriwardana appreciated JICA for continuing to assist Sri Lanka with various development projects, particularly those aimed at achieving long-term sustainable economic growth.