India’s National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG) in Mussoorie has embarked on the second phase of its capacity building program for senior civil servants from Sri Lanka. This initiative aims to enhance public governance and service delivery, further strengthening the partnership between India and Sri Lanka in the field of administrative reforms and governance.
The program, which is being held from February 26 to March 08, is attended by 40 elite civil servants from Sri Lanka, including Directors, Deputy Directors, Divisional Secretaries, and Assistant Divisional Secretaries. This follows the successful inaugural executive batch conducted from February 12 – 17, where the Sri Lankan team was led by Anura Dissanayaka, Secretary to the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka.
The capacity building program facilitates cross-border knowledge exchange and skill development, fostering governance excellence and administrative efficiency. V. Srinivas, the Director General of NCGG and Secretary of the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG), highlighted the pivotal role of NCGG in driving governance innovations since its inception. He emphasized India’s decade-long journey of governance reforms from 2014 to 2024, showcasing advancements in digital governance, public grievance redressal systems, and e-governance platforms.
The curriculum of the program, designed by AP Singh, Associate Professor and Course Coordinator at NCGG, covers a wide range of topics. These include land acquisition reforms, the role of digital technology in governance, disaster management with a focus on coastal resilience, public-private partnerships, and the transformative Swamitva scheme, among others. Field visits to renowned Indian institutions and cultural landmarks like the Taj Mahal provide participants with tangible insights into India’s governance models and societal fabric.
An important aspect of the program is the institutional collaboration between NCGG and the Sri Lanka Institute of Development Administration (SLIDA), with the aim of creating a sustainable framework for bilateral cooperation in governance and public administration. This initiative aligns with NCGG’s global commitment, as it has extended its capacity building programs to civil servants from 17 countries, positioning itself as a beacon of excellence in governance and public policy training on the international stage.
The convergence of Sri Lankan civil servants at NCGG not only serves as a platform for learning and exchange but also signifies the shared aspirations of India and Sri Lanka in enhancing public administration and governance. As the program unfolds, it promises to equip these leaders with next-generation skills and insights, enabling them to drive transformative changes within their respective domains.
This collaboration is a significant step forward in strengthening bilateral ties, fostering a spirit of mutual learning, and contributing to the broader goal of governance excellence across borders.