Cabinet clears Rs. 575 m Japanese grant for civil service scholarship program

The Cabinet last week approved the acceptance of a Japanese grant worth Yen 282 million (approximately Rs. 575 million) to continue a scholarship program aimed at strengthening the capacity of Sri Lanka’s public service through postgraduate and doctoral studies. Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said the funding will be provided by the Government of Japan in 2026 under the Japanese Grant Aid for Human Resource Development Scholarship program. The initiative has been supporting the professional development of young executive-level civil servants since 2010 by providing opportunities to pursue higher education, acquire professional expertise, and gain international exposure in fields aligned with Sri Lanka’s development priorities. The program is financed under the Official Development Cooperation framework of the Government of Japan and is implemented by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). According to the Government, around 15 civil servants are awarded scholarships annually under the scheme. Since its inception, the program has facilitated 255 postgraduate courses and 16 doctoral courses for Sri Lankan public sector officials. Cabinet approval was granted for a proposal submitted by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in his capacity as Finance, Planning and Economic Development Minister to accept the grant funding offered by the Japanese Government. The Government said the program has made a significant contribution to strengthening the capacity of the public service by developing specialised knowledge and professional skills among senior public officials.

Cabinet clears Rs. 575 m Japanese grant for civil service scholarship program | Daily FT