Japan and Sri Lanka Sign agreed Grant Aid for the 2026 JDS Scholarship Program to Strengthen Public Sector.

Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Government of Sri Lanka today signed the Grant Agreement (GA) for the 18^th Batch of the Japanese Grant Aid for Human Resource Development Scholarship (JDS) Program (2026), reaffirming Japan's longstanding commitment to supporting human resource development and institutional capacity building in Sri Lanka.

The signing ceremony was held in Colombo in the presence of Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma, Secretary to the Treasury and the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, H.E. Mr. Akio Isomata, Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka and Mr. Honzu Shigeo, Chief Representative of JICA Sri Lanka Office.

Under the 2026 JDS Program, 15 public sector officials from Sri Lanka will be awarded scholarships to pursue Master's degree programs at leading universities in Japan. The program is designed to strengthen the professional knowledge, technical expertise, and leadership capacities of government officials who play key roles in the country's socio-economic development.

The 2026 program will comprise officials from a wide range of government institutions and sectors, including finance, education, public administration, and local governance. This reflects the program's continued focus on developing human resources in critical areas of public service and enhancing institutional effectiveness across the public sector.

During the ceremony, representatives of both governments emphasized the importance of investing in human capital as a foundation for sustainable economic growth, effective governance, and social development. The event also highlighted the longstanding friendship and development partnership between Japan and Sri Lanka, which has flourished for over seven decades.

Through postgraduate study and research in Japan, JDS fellows will gain advanced academic knowledge, international exposure, and practical insights into Japan's governance systems, technological innovations, and public administration practices. Upon their return to Sri Lanka, the scholars are expected to apply their enhanced expertise to support policymaking, strengthen public institutions, and contribute to the country's socio-economic development.

The JDS Program has become one of the flagship human resource development initiatives supported by the Government of Japan. Since its introduction in Sri Lanka in 2010, the program has provided advanced higher education opportunities to more than 200 Sri Lankan public officials. Over the years, JDS alumni have made valuable contributions to institutional strengthening, public sector reforms, good governance, and national development across various sectors.

The ceremony was attended by representatives of the Government of Sri Lanka, the Embassy of Japan, and JICA. The occasion reaffirmed Japan's unwavering support for Sri Lanka's sustainable development through strategic investments in human resources, knowledge exchange, and capacity development.

The signing of the Grant Agreement for the 2026 JDS Program marks another significant milestone in the enduring partnership between Japan and Sri Lanka and reflects the shared commitment of both countries to nurturing the next generation of public sector leaders.