The 7th Capacity Building Program in Sri Lanka: A Vision for Better Government
In a world where governance is increasingly digitalized and innovation drives progress, the 7th Capacity Building Program in Sri Lanka marked a significant milestone for civil servants. Organized under the leadership of Dr. V. Srinivas, the head of the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances, this program was held at the National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG) in New Delhi on May 27, 2024.
This initiative brought together 40 senior civil service officers from various ministries across Sri Lanka, including Chief Secretary Uva Province, Deputy Chief Secretary Southern Province Assistant Divisional Secretaries, and even Assistant Chief Secretaries. These participants were part of key ministries such as the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious & Cultural Affairs, and others, making this a comprehensive effort to enhance governance in all sectors.
The speech delivered by Dr. V. Srinivas was a standout moment, offering insights into digital governance’s role in enhancing transparency and efficiency. He emphasized how centralizing public service delivery through mechanisms like the Centralized Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS) significantly improves oversight and ensures effective governance.
The program also highlighted “Maximum Governance, Minimum Government,” which aimed to streamline administrative processes, fostering a more efficient bureaucracy. Additionally, the discussion on Mission Karmayogi, India’s flagship initiative for civil servants, underscored its importance in building a future-ready workforce equipped with skills and knowledge to address evolving challenges.
Beyond theoretical discussions, the program included practical case studies. These covered essential areas such as the Comprehensive Health Care Scheme for Senior Citizens, effective cadre management at the Divisional Level, strategies for enhancing government revenue collection through digitalization, and initiatives to strengthen paddy farmers by introducing alternative farming methods.
Participants were actively involved in district attachments to Mathura, visits to prime institutions like the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) and the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC), and even a visit to the iconic Taj Mahal. NCGG facilitated these activities through its platform, allowing participants to engage in virtual sessions and discussions.
The capacity-building program was led under Dr. A.P. Singh’s supervision, with Dr. M.K. Bhandari acting as course coordinator for NCGG. This structured approach ensured a dynamic and interactive learning environment, where participants could apply theoretical knowledge in practical scenarios.
In conclusion, the 7th Capacity Building Program not only expanded the horizons of Sri Lankans through digital transformation but also provided a roadmap for future development. By enhancing civil service effectiveness and fostering a skilled workforce, this initiative demonstrated how governance can evolve to meet the challenges of a growing society, aligning with India’s broader commitment to innovation and sustainability.
This program serves as a testament to the enduring importance of capacity-building in shaping better governance. As we continue to move towards digital governance, initiatives like the 7th Capacity Building Program offer us a glimpse into how human resources can be enhanced to drive positive change.