High Commission of India celebrates skills partnership with Sri Lanka

Tuesday, 24 September 2019 01:12 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The High Commission of India has offered more than 400 fully-funded slots every year to officials in various ministries of the Sri Lankan Government and other eligible citizens for short-term training programs in various institutes in India to enhance their skill sets. The courses are spread over a multitude of sectors such as Management and Leadership, International Trade, Tourism, Textiles, Agriculture, Banking, Accounting, Artificial Intelligence, Yoga, Renewable Energy, Petroleum and Hydrocarbon, Media, SMEs, Women’s Empowerment, IT, English language etc. Facilitated by the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) program, the courses are fully-funded by the Government of India and cover airfare, accommodation, study tours, course fee, living allowance, book allowance etc.

An event was organised by High Commission of India on 18 September at the Taj Samudra dedicated to innovations and skills, collaboration and co-operation, talent and teamwork. Several ITEC alumni from Sri Lanka who pursued various courses in India attended the celebration and shared their experiences in India.

Speaking as Chief Guest, the University of Colombo Vice Chancellor Professor Chandrika N. Wijeyaratne complimented India for the economic and technical assistance it has been providing developing countries over the last several decades. She also underlined the strong civilizational and cultural links between India and Sri Lanka and urged the further strengthening of the educational partnership between the two countries.

Acting High Commissioner of India Vinod K. Jacob stated that India has always believed that “sharing is success” and thus in sharing its expertise with its friends and partner countries. He also spoke about the rich legacy of collaboration between India and Sri Lanka in innovation and technology, and underlined the need to have more institutional partnerships between India and Sri Lanka. Sri Lankan nationals who are interested may apply for ITEC courses online. The applicants can choose their own login email ID, create their login password and check on the status of their application online. The applicant may take a printout of the online application and send it to Director (Training), Department of External Resources, Secretariat Building (3rd Floor), Colombo 1, with a copy sent to the High Commission of India, 36-38, Galle Road, Colombo 3.