Sri Lankan public officials get Japanese scholarships

June 29, 2011 (LBO) - Talented young Sri Lankan public officials are to be sent to Japan for two-year Masters Degrees under Japanese government scholarships, an embassy statement said. So far over 11,000 Sri Lankan trainees have completed short and long-term training in Japan and in third countries through Japan’s assistance. Japan has given 208 million Japanese Yen (about 280 million rupees) to cover the expenses for the first and second batches of 30 scholars.

The scholarship scheme started in 2010 in Sri Lanka and this year 15 officials were awarded the scholarship.

They have been selected from the ministries of Finance and Planning, Public Administration and Home Affairs, Economic Development and Provincial Councils and Local Government.

The officials will pursue their Masters Degree programs in public policy, public administration, regional development and poverty alleviation, and macro and development economics at the International University of Japan, International Christian University and Hiroshima University.

"Upon completion of the study program, the officers are expected to contribute towards the preparation of comprehensive development and poverty red