Sri Lanka seeks India's help in policy reform, digitalization and public service delivery

Sri Lanka's President Ranil Wickremesinghe has sought India's help in establishing policy reforms, governance, capacity building, digitalization, and public service delivery.

According to an official statement issued by India's Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions on Tuesday, during a meeting with an Indian delegation, President Wickremesinghe sought necessary help based on India’s experience of digital governance and participatory policymaking.

This would ensure faster socio-economic development and high economic growth for Sri Lanka, he told the delegation led by Director General of National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG) Bharat Lal. India’s High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Gopal Baglay and senior Sri Lankan officials were present during the meeting held on Saturday. The Sri Lankan President also urged NCGG to help in establishing a University of Governance and Public Policy in Sri Lanka.

During the meeting, President Wickremesinghe shared his vision for Sri Lanka, a strategy to address the recent economic challenges and put the country on the path of high economic growth. The discussion centered around policy reforms, good governance, digitalization, capacity building and training, institution building, and assured public service delivery, the official statement noted.

According to the official statement, Sri Lanka is keen to learn policy–driven governance model of India and the massive use of digital technology in the planning, execution, and monitoring of various programmes and projects.

“During a series of meetings set up by the President’s office, top civil servants expressed their appreciation for the sustained assistance that India has provided to Sri Lanka during its recent unprecedented economic crisis,” the statement added.

The NCGG Director General highlighted how Prime Minister Narendra Modi has introduced a new culture of citizen-centric policies and good governance as a result of which India is witnessing high economic growth, assured public service delivery and fast improving quality of life.