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Modalities firmed up to implement NCGG – SLIDA MoU

Published

4 months ago

February 20, 2025

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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.

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Application for Grade 1 admission for 2026, issued

Published

2 hours ago

July 3, 2025

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The Ministry of Education today (July 03) announced the release of instructions regarding the admission process for Grade One students in State schools for the Year 2026.

To enroll their children in Grade One of Government schools for the year 2026, parents or legal guardians are required to complete the application form following the provided specimen and instructions.

The application is as follows :

Sinhala application (1)Download

News

SL – Hungary sign debt restructuring agreement

Published

2 hours ago

July 3, 2025

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The government of Sri Lanka and the Hungarian Export Credit Insurance Plc. have signed a bilateral agreement in relation to the External Debt Restructuring Process.

In a statement, the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development said the signing of the agreement is a significant milestone of the External Debt Restructuring Process and testament to the government’s commitment to conclude the restructuring process as soon as possible to restore debt sustainability and thereby revamp Sri Lanka’s economy.
Following bilateral discussions after the conclusion of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Official Creditor Committee (OCC), the Hungarian Export Credit Insurance Plc. has agreed to provide a debt relief measure by rescheduling the outstanding debts, the Ministry noted.

The estimated rescheduled debt under this agreement amounts to Euro 30 million.

The signing of the agreement will pave the way to developing further the deep and long standing bilateral relationships between Hungary and the Government of Sri Lanka, the Ministry added.

The bilateral agreement was signed by Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma, Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development, on behalf of the government and Györgyi Rehoregh, Director, Foreign Corporate Risk Management & Claims and Recoveries Directorate, and Dr. Adrienn Hegyi Szénásiné, Head of Claims and Recoveries, Foreign Corporate Risk Management and Claims and Recoveries Directorate, on behalf of the Hungarian Export Credit Insurance Plc.

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Govt appoints committee to tackle plastic pollution

Published

2 hours ago

July 3, 2025

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A committee has been appointed to investigate and submit a report on plastic-based products in the market that pose a threat to the health of children, the Ministry of Trade, Commerce, Food Security, and Cooperative Development has announced.

Speaking at a media briefing today (03), Subject Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe stated that the government will take the strongest possible measures within the next two months to prevent such harmful products from entering the market, based on the committee’s recommendations.

He warned that some plastic bottles used to fill hot water are unsafe and noted that tests have revealed serious risks due to the use of such material.

“We will summon importers and manufacturers and present the facts to them. A committee of experts will be appointed, and all relevant parties will have the opportunity to share their concerns with the committee. Based on its report, we will take the strongest possible decisions to ensure the safety of children,” the Minister added.