Japanese govt to continue HR Development Scholarship programme

The Japanese government has decided to continue its Human Resource Development Scholarship (JDS) programme to train and develop the skills of young Sri Lankan public sector executives.

The objective of the Japanese government, along with Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), in offering the JDS scholarships is to groom future national leaders of Sri Lanka, especially in formulating and implementing national development plans.

Applications will be called in September for the 2017 intake, from all public sector district officials eligible to apply.

The Japanese government has selected the 3rd batch of 15 prospective scholars under Phase II of the JDS Programme – 2016 which commenced in September 2014, based on the official agreement with the Government of Sri Lanka (GoSL). A grant of 231 million Japanese Yen (approximately Rs 305 million) has been pledged to cover the cost of the study programmes of Phase II.

The signing of the Exchange of Notes for this grant aid scheme took place on July 4 at the Ministry of Finance between Japanese Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Kenichi Suganuma, on behalf of the Government of Japan, and Finance Ministry Secretary, Dr R.H.S. Samaratunga, on behalf of the GoSL.

Since its inception in 2010, 90 public sector officials have benefited from the JDS pro- gramme. Phase I accommodated 30 officials from 2010 to 2013, while Phase II accommodates a total of 60 officials in 4 batches, during the period 2014 to 2017. They also hope to commence Phase III from 2018 to 2020.

The JDS programme affords a 2-year Master’s Degree in Public Policy & Public Finance, Economics, Business Management, Environmental Management, Disaster Management, and Climate Change at the universities of National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS), Hitotsubashi University, Hiroshima University, Waseda University, International University of Japan (IUJ), University of Tsukuba and the University of Tokyo. Criteria for eligibility: Citizens of Sri Lanka of age 40 or under, as of April 1 of the year of application. Applicants to the University of Tokyo should have a BSc in Engineering, Agriculture, or Science. Public-sector officers belonging to governmental organisations, not semigovernment organisations, and have completed their probation period. Applicants from Component 1, 2 and 3 should be Staff Grade Officers. Officers of Central Bank of Sri Lanka can only apply to Hitotsubashi University National Building Research Organisation Officers can only apply to Landslide Major under the University of Tokyo. Possess sufficient English language skill to study at graduate level.

For more information about the JDS programme,

call 0112 565 446, Email: srilanka.jds@gmail.com or visit their website: http:// www.jds21.com/srilanka

- Minushi Perera