This initiative also paves the way for future collaboration in public administration and governance
India's National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG), New Delhi, has announced the successful completion of the first executive batch of the Capacity Building Programme for Senior Civil Servants from Sri Lanka. 

Held from February 12 to February 17, 2024, this specialized programme saw the participation of 14 senior civil service officers from Sri Lanka, marking a significant step towards enhancing bilateral cooperation and knowledge exchange between India and Sri Lanka.

The delegation was led by Anura Dissanayake, Secretary to the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, and comprised senior officials from important departments and ministries, including Dharmasri Kumaratunga, Secretary, Ministry of Technology, and Pradeep Yasarathna, Secretary, Ministry of Public Administration, Home Affairs, Provincial Councils and Local Government, among others. The Sri Lanka Institute of Development Administration (SLIDA) played an important role in representing the Sri Lankan contingent, with Nalaka Kaluwewe, Director General of SLIDA, being a key participant.

The week-long programme featured enriching sessions by an illustrious lineup of speakers, including Jitendra Singh, Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, and senior officials from various Indian ministries. These sessions aimed at sharing India's leadership experiences and governance models, focusing on areas such as electronics and information technology, industry promotion, road transport, health, and digital governance.

Dissanayake expressed his gratitude towards the Government of India for organizing a comprehensive and insightful Capacity Building Program. He highlighted the program's role in facilitating the adoption of India’s best governance practices and success stories, potentially transforming Sri Lanka's administrative and governance paradigms.

V Srinivas, Secretary Department of Administration Reforms and Public Grievances and Director General of NCGG, underscored the constructive engagement between NCGG and SLIDA, which culminated in the program's successful execution. He expressed enthusiasm for building an institutional collaboration with SLIDA, reflecting a mutual commitment to administrative excellence and public service delivery.

The programme's coordination team, led by AP Singh, with Sanjeev Sharma, Ghazala Hasan, and Brijesh Bisht, ensured a smooth and effective delivery of the curriculum, demonstrating NCGG's dedication to fostering international partnerships and capacity building.

This initiative not only strengthens the India-Sri Lanka relationship but also paves the way for future collaboration in public administration and governance, reinforcing the shared goals of prosperity and development between the two nations.