The JDS Program aims to train and develop the skills of young executive officers in the public sector to become future national leaders of Sri Lanka, especially in formulating and implementing the national development plans.

The Second Phase of JDS programme accommodates a total of 60 officials in four batches during the period from 2014 to 2017, providing the opportunity to pursue a 2-year Master’s course in the fields of ‘Public Policy and Public Finance’, ‘Economics’, ‘Business Management’, or ‘Environmental Management, Disaster Management, and Climate Change’ at the National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS), Hitotsubashi University, Hiroshima University, Waseda University, International University of Japan (IUJ), University of Tsukuba, and the University of Tokyo. On successful completion of the study program, the officials will be awarded a MA/MSc/MBA.

The Second Phase of JDS programme is open to all Ministries in Sri Lanka, while the First Phase was limited to the Ministries of Finance and Planning, Public Administrations and Home Affairs, Local Government and Provincial Councils and Economic Development. This year the Government of Japan pledged a grant amounting to 226 million Japanese Yen (approximately Rs. 245 million) to cover the cost of the study programs of the 2nd batch of 15 officials in Japan. The Human Resource Development Scholarship programme has benefited 90 public sector officials in Sri Lanka since its inception in 2010.

The signing of the Exchange of Notes for this grant aid scheme took place on July 23, 2015 at the Ministry of Finance between H. E. Mr. Kenichi Suganuma, Ambassador of Japan on behalf of the Government of Japan and, Dr. R.H.S. Samaratunga, Secretary, Ministry of on behalf of the Government of Sri Lanka. In addition, the signing of the Grant Agreements between Mr. Kiyoshi Amada, Chief Representative of JICA Sri Lanka Office and Dr. R H S Samaratunga also took place on the same occasion.