Japan awards 2014 JDS scholarships to 15 public-sector officials

Monday, 18 August 2014 00:03 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The 1st batch under the second phase of Japanese Grant Aid for Human Resources Development Scholarship (JDS) program funded by the Government of Japan conducted its preliminary survey in September 2013. This program targets young promising public-sector officers capable of taking leading roles in formulating and implementing Sri Lanka’s national development policies and plans in the near future. Through this program, 60 public sector officials will be awarded with the JDS scholarships to study for a 2-year-Master’s Degree in any of the fields such as; 1) Public Policy and Public Finance; 2) Economics; 3) Business Management; and 4) Environmental Management at the respective graduate schools of selected universities in Japan. This year, 15 Fellows have been selected following a transparent and methodical selection process, and the Fellows will leave shortly to Japan to pursue their programs of study for the next two years.

Ambassador of Japan Nobuhito Hobo hosted the reception at his residence for the Fellows prior to their departure for Japan on 15 August 2014 and to senior government officials in recognition of their support extended for the successful implementation of the JDS program in Sri Lanka. The Ambassador remarked that the Government of Japan provides JDS Fellows with a unique opportunity to gain the knowledge and experiences in fields of study currently in high demand in Sri Lanka and crucial sphere heading sustainable development in the country. He further emphasised that it is important for the Fellows to make the best use of this opportunity not only to fulfil their research/academic tasks, but also to explore Japan and its culture. On behalf of the Government of Japan, he also expects that upon the completion of their Master’s programs, the Fellows would positively contribute to the current development drive of Sri Lanka.