The Government of Japan has provided grant aid of JPY 282 million (approx. LKR 591 million) for the Human Resource Development Scholarship (known as JDS). This project aims to train young, promising administrative officers in the public sector at various universities in Japan and develop their knowledge and skills to be future national leaders in their respective fields. Under the project, 15 public sector officials will be sent to pursue a 2-year Master’s degree program commencing in 2027. Their research areas vary from Public Policy, International Relations and International Development, Macroeconomics, Public Finance and Investment Management, to Industry Development Policy and Investment Promotion.
On 17th August, H.E. Mr. Akio ISOMATA, Ambassador of Japan, and Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma, Secretary to the Treasury and the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, signed and exchanged notes in Colombo on this grant assistance.
Since its inception in 2010, the JDS project has supported 254 public sector officials from Sri Lanka. The project will contribute not only to enhancing individual capacities but also to improving the institutional capacity of the public sector, thereby supporting sound and sustainable development of Sri Lanka.
JDS fellows are also expected to further strengthen the foundation of bilateral relations with Japan as bridges between both countries by utilizing the human network they built through academic and social activities while in Japan.
With the signing of the Exchange of Notes today, Japan renews its commitment to assisting human resource development in Sri Lanka and hopes that the project will further energize and solidify the bilateral relations between the two countries.