The second customised training programme for Sri Lankan civil service officers, under the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG) and the Sri Lanka Institute of Development Administration (SLIDA), was successfully conducted from 26 May to 6 June 2025. A total of 40 Sri Lankan officers participated in the programme, which focused on strengthening public administration through digital governance and innovation.

The following is the Indian HC statement: “The training programme is part of a larger commitment under the MoU, signed during the State Visit of President Anura Kumara Dissanayaka to India, in December 2024, aimed at training 1500 Sri Lankan civil servants over a period of five years. Previously, 41 Sri Lankan civil servants attended the inaugural programme, on the same theme, from 21 April to 02 May 2025.

The training focused on avenues for transforming governance through digital technologies – covering areas such as enhancing online public services, building robust digital infrastructure, expanding access to financial services via digital payments, and improving the way public grievances are addressed using innovative digital solutions. Senior Indian officials and domain experts shared insights into India’s leading digital governance initiatives, such as ‘Aadhaar’, Digital Payments and Financial Inclusion, Government e-Marketplace (GeM), Public Finance Management System, among others. The participants also undertook field visits to key institutions, such as the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration in Mussoorie, Election Commission of India, PM Gati Shakti Anubhuti Kendra, National e-Governance Division and the Computerised Land Record Centre in Uttarakhand. The programme concluded with a cultural visit to the Taj Mahal.

Capacity-building is an important pillar of India’s development cooperation with Sri Lanka. Reinforcing India’s commitment further in this sector, Prime Minister of India during his recent State visit to Sri Lanka, in April 2025, announced additional 700 customised training slots, annually, for Sri Lankan professionals. This significantly enhanced capacity-building endeavour of India thus will now benefit 1000 Sri Lankans annually.”