A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the National Centre for Good Governance of India (NCGG) and Sri Lanka Institute of Development Administration (SLIDA) was signed during the State Visit of President of Sri Lanka – Anura Kumara Disanayaka to India on 16 December 2024. The MoU provides for training and capacity building of 1500 Sri Lankan civil service officers over a period of five years.

To firm up the modalities for implementation of the MoU in an effective manner, on invitation of the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government of the Government of Sri Lanka, an NCGG delegation led by Dr. Surendrakumar Bagde, Director General, NCGG, paid a visit to Sri Lanka from 17-20 February 2025. Dr. Ashutosh Pal Singh, Associate Professor, NCGG was also part of the delegation.

The delegation called on Prime Minister of Sri Lanka – Dr. Harini Amarasuriya and Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government – Dr. A.H.M.H. Abayarathna, and also held meetings with the Secretary to the President of Sri Lanka – Dr. N.S. Kumanayake, Secretary to the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka – Mr. G.P. Saputhanthri and Secretary, Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government – Mr. S Aloka Bandara. The delegation also visited the Kandy District Secretariat and interacted with NCGG Alumni posted in the Central and North Western Provinces.

Modalities of the MoU implementation were finalized at technical sessions at SLIDA. It was decided that around 8 modules will be held annually under the programme. Keeping in view the priorities set by the Government of Sri Lanka and feedback received from various stakeholders, it was agreed that the tailor-made training modules by NCGG will cover themes including digital initiatives in governance, such as e-governance, digitization of land records, government e-market place, etc; public transport system management; self-help group initiatives in rural and urban areas;  technology applications and best practices in agriculture, fisheries, forestry, etc; public-private partnerships; people-centric service delivery systems; implementation of sustainable development goals; among others.

The first module for a batch of about 40 civil service officers of Sri Lanka under the MoU will be held soon. Notably, even while the MoU was under negotiations, over 200 Sri Lankan civil service officers had already undergone training as part of capacity building programs at NCGG.