BALPP’s Executive Credential in Leadership and Public Policy

Monday, 13 October 2025 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

By Dr. Tara de Mel

The Bandaranaike Academy for Leadership and Public Policy is now being recognised as a pioneering institution at the intersection of thought leadership, governance, and professional development. Its latest initiative, the Executive Credential in Leadership and Public Policy (ECLPP), is a one-year, two-semester course designed with precision and foresight. Targeting professionals, executives, and aspiring academics, the program is designed to be a transformative journey—one that blends intellectual rigor with practical insight. BALPP is poised to launch the second batch of the ECLPP soon.

The foremost benefit of enrolling in this course lies in its unique orientation towards the twin pillars of leadership and public policy. In an age where decision-making is increasingly complex, participants will gain not only theoretical understanding but also the ability to translate policy into practice. For mid-career executives, the course provides the tools to elevate themselves beyond managerial competence to strategic vision. For aspiring academics, it opens the door to intellectual engagement with the pressing challenges of governance, development, and ethics.

Skills enhancement is at the very heart of this credential. Under the guidance of distinguished experts, participants will sharpen their analytical capacity, critical reasoning, and persuasive communication. They will learn to interpret data, frame policy options, and design solutions that respond to real-world problems. Equally important, they will cultivate the softer dimensions of leadership: the ability to inspire, negotiate, and manage diverse teams. By the end of two semesters, graduates will emerge not just more knowledgeable, but more agile, confident, and adaptive leaders.

What makes this course especially significant is its uniqueness in the Sri Lankan context. No other tertiary education institution in the country offers such a structured, practice-oriented credential in leadership and public policy. In bridging this gap, BALPP recognises that the nation’s progress depends on producing leaders capable of navigating complexity with integrity and foresight. For participants, this means access to a program that cannot be replicated elsewhere; it is not simply an education, but a distinction.

Finally, the Executive Credential in Leadership and Public Policy is distinguished by the established reputation and academic foundation of BALPP. The Academy’s standing reflects its commitment to delivering programs that are both intellectually rigorous and acutely relevant to the complex challenges of society. For those who earn it, this qualification represents the imprint of high standards - a recognition of personal and professional excellence. Ultimately, the credential is an investment that equips individuals not just to advance their careers, but to make a tangible, thoughtful contribution to the public good.

(The writer is Executive Director at BALPP.)