Japan provides Rs. 591 m grant for public sector human resource development

Tuesday, 18 August 2026 11:14 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

15 public officials to pursue two-year Master’s programs in Japan from 2027
Scholarships cover public policy, macroeconomics, public finance, investment and industry development

The Embassy of Japan yesterday said the Japanese Government has provided grant assistance of JPY 282 million, equivalent to about Rs. 591 million, to Sri Lanka under its Human Resource Development Scholarship (JDS) project.

Under the project, 15 Sri Lankan public sector officials will pursue two-year Master’s degree programs at universities in Japan commencing in 2027.

The areas of study include public policy, international relations and international development, macroeconomics, public finance and investment management, industry development policy and investment promotion.

Japanese Ambassador Akio Isomata and Treasury Secretary

Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma yesterday signed and exchanged notes in Colombo for the grant assistance.

The Embassy said the project aims to develop the knowledge and skills of young administrative officers in the public sector to prepare them for future leadership roles in their respective fields.

Since its inception in Sri Lanka in 2010, the JDS project has supported 254 public sector officials.

The Embassy said the program was expected to strengthen both individual and institutional capacity within the public sector and support Sri Lanka’s development. It added that JDS fellows were also expected to contribute to Sri Lanka-Japan relations through professional and personal networks developed during their studies in Japan.