Japan provides Rs. 761 m grant aid for Human Resource Development Scholarship project

The Government of Japan has provided a grant aid worth approximately Rs. 761 million for the Human Resource Development Scholarship (JDS) project to enhance the capacity building of public sector officials.

The sum of Japanese Yen 282 million (approximately Rs. 761 million) grant will be extended to train young executive officers in the public sector at various universities in Japan and develop their skills in order to qualify them as future national leaders in their respective fields. Under the project, 17 public sector officials will be sent to pursue a two-year Master or PhD degree from 2023 to 2025. Areas of their degrees cover Public Policy, Macroeconomics, Public Finance and Investment Management, Industry Development Policy and Investment Promotion, and Urban and Regional Development.

The Exchange of Notes for this project was signed on 8 August at the Ministry of Finance, Economic Stabilisation and National Policies between Japan to Sri Lanka Ambassador Mizukoshi Hideaki and Ministry of Finance Secretary K.M.M. Siriwardana, Economic Stabilisation and National Policies.

As a long-standing friend, Japan has placed great emphasis on assistance in human resource development via many capacity building and skills development programs in order to accelerate long-term sustainable economic development.

Since its inception in 2010, JDS project has supported 188 public sector officials in Sri Lanka. The project will contribute not only to enhancing individual capacities but also to improving institutional capacity of the public sector in Sri Lanka, which helps Sri Lanka to overcome various difficulties related to the current economic hardships and to achieve prosperity further in the future. JDS fellows are also expected to solidify foundations to further bilateral relations with Japan by utilising their human network developed through academic and social activities while in Japan. 

Japan, which enjoys 70 years of close friendship with Sri Lanka, will remain committed to stand in solidarity with Sri Lanka.