India and Sri Lanka commit to more cooperation in education and skills training

Saturday, 15 February 2025 00:23 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

To commemorate 60 years of capacity-building partnership between India and Sri Lanka through the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) program, the High Commission of India in Colombo celebrated ITEC Day 2025 on 5 February.

High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka Santosh Jha and Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism Deputy Minister Arun Hemachandra, graced the occasion. The event was attended by over 200 participants, including ITEC alumni from Sri Lanka, as well as officials and professionals from diverse sectors who have benefited from various training courses in India under different ITEC programs.

In his address, Hemachandra lauded ITEC initiative for not only serving as a conduit for knowledge exchange but also as a bridge fostering strong bilateral ties built on historical, cultural, and economic affinities. The Minister highlighted India’s commitment to international cooperation through the ITEC program, which focuses on capacity building, knowledge sharing, and skill development for partner countries. He expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Government of India for its unwavering support through the ITEC program, which has been instrumental in empowering Sri Lanka’s professionals and enhancing public service capabilities. He also acknowledged the contributions of ITEC alumni, whose expertise strengthens bilateral relationships and enhances global collaboration.

Speaking on the occasion, the High Commissioner acknowledged the keen interest Sri Lankan officials have shown in the ITEC program over the years. He emphasised India’s commitment to supporting Sri Lanka’s education sector, including higher education, through partnerships between academic institutions in both countries, he informed that in addition to the 402 ITEC slots currently allocated annually, 1500 Sri Lankan officers will be trained at the National Good Governance Centre (NGGC) in India. He reiterated that India, guided by the philosophy of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ (The world is one family), will continue to play a leading role in capacity-building initiatives for Sri Lanka.

Senior officials reflected on their experiences with ITEC training in India, expressing deep appreciation for the program’s comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach. They highlighted the diverse range of training areas, including inclusive governance, climate change, renewable energy, digital transformation, start-up ecosystems, artificial intelligence in governance, cybersecurity, quality management, quantum computing, information science, and fostering innovation, incubation, and entrepreneurship. These programs have equipped participants with valuable insights and practical skills, enabling them to drive progress and contribute effectively to their respective fields.

Launched in September 1964, ITEC is a flagship program of the Government of India aimed at extending technical assistance and enhancing capacities in developing countries. It has become a key instrument in India’s contribution to human resource development, with over 200,000 individuals from 160 partner nations having participated in the program. Sri Lanka currently benefits from more than 500 annual training slots under ITEC. ‘ITEC Day’ is celebrated each year by Indian diplomatic missions worldwide, underscoring this unique pillar of Global South cooperation.

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