Japan Grants JPY 332 Million For Human Resource Development Scholarships

Colombo(News 1st); The Government of Japan has extended a grant aid of JPY 332 million to Sri Lanka for the Human Resource Development Scholarship (JDS) project. 

This initiative is designed to strengthen the capabilities of young and promising public sector officials by enabling them to pursue Master's degree programs in Japan, thereby nurturing future national leaders across key sectors.

Under the 2026 intake, 15 Sri Lankan public sector officials will be selected to undertake two-year postgraduate studies in disciplines such as Public Policy, Macroeconomics, Public Finance and Investment Management, Industry Development Policy and Investment Promotion, and Urban and Regional Development.

The Exchange of Notes formalizing this grant assistance was signed on July 24 in Colombo by the Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka, H.E. Akio Isomata, and Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma, Secretary to the Treasury and the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development.

Since its launch in 2010, the JDS project has benefited 237 Sri Lankan officials, contributing significantly to both individual capacity development and institutional strength within the public sector. 

The program also aims to promote sustainable development in Sri Lanka.

Additionally, JDS alumni are expected to serve as valuable links between Japan and Sri Lanka, leveraging the academic and social networks they form during their time in Japan to further enhance bilateral ties.

With the latest exchange of notes, both governments reaffirmed their shared commitment to the continued success of the JDS initiative.