Sri Lanka Successfully Hosts the Second Expert Group Meeting and Workshop on the Draft HRD Implementation Plan for the BIMSTEC Region

Colombo, 16th july 2025 - Sri Lanka, as the Lead Country for the Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) sector of the BIMSTEC region—comprising the subsectors of Technology, Health, and Human Resources Development (HRD)—successfully hosted the Second Expert Group Meeting of HRD Experts and the Workshop on the Draft HRD Implementation Plan.

The event was held on 16th July 2025 at the Galle Face Hotel in Colombo and was organized by the National Human Resources Development Council (NHRDC) of Sri Lanka, the designated focal point for HRD in the BIMSTEC region. Delegates from all member countries participated in the event both in person and virtually.

The Workshop, facilitated by Dr. Chandra Embuldeniya, Team Lead representing the host country, aimed at refining and finalizing the Draft Implementation Plan for Human Resource Development across the region. The session fostered a collaborative atmosphere, with member states providing critical feedback and input.

The Second Expert Group Meeting was chaired by Mr. Thusitha P. Wanigasinghe, Chairman of the NHRDC and Head of the Sri Lankan Delegation, alongside Dr. A. Saj U. Mendis, Director of Science, Technology, and Innovation at the BIMSTEC Secretariat.

The meeting was attended by the following officials:

• Bangladesh: Mr. Md. Rajibul Alam, Deputy Director (Senior Assistant Secretary), National Skills Development Authority, Chief Adviser’s Office
• Bhutan: Mr. Sangay Dorji, Officiating Director, and Mr. Ugyen Namgyal, Programme Officer, Department of Workforce Planning and Skills Development, Ministry of Education and Skills Development
• India: Ms. Saumya Gupta, Joint Secretary, Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education
• Nepal: Mr. Manish Kumar Das, Senior Inspector, and Ms. Gita Basyal, Mechanical Engineer, Ministry of Education, Science and Technology
• Myanmar: Dr. Saw Kay Thwe Moe, Director, Department of Advanced Science and Technology, Ministry of Science and Technology
• Sri Lanka: Dr. Chandra Embuldeniya, Team Lead, HRD, NHRDC; Mrs. Himali Athauda, Additional Secretary (Skills Sector Development), Ministry of Education; Mr. A. Lakkathas, Additional Secretary (Administration), Ministry of Science and Technology; Mr. Wasantha Gunarathna, Additional Secretary (Administration), Ministry of Education; Ms. Jayamali Dissanayake, Assistant Director (Multilateral)/Economic Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Ms. Kalani Dharmasena, Executive Assistant (Multilateral)/Economic Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• Thailand: Dr. Pranpreya Sriwannawit Lundberg, Director of International Policy Partnership, and Dr. Soontharee Namliwal, Senior Policy Specialist, Office of National Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Policy Council (NXPO)
• BIMSTEC Secretariat: Mr. Muhammad Estiak Hussain, Lead Specialist, Science, Technology and Innovation, BIMSTEC Secretariat, Dhaka, Bangladesh

The culmination of the meeting saw the finalization of the Draft HRD Implementation Plan. Member states reaffirmed their commitment to collectively implement the plan with a focus on regional collaboration, shared goals, and mutual development in the HRD sector.

The National Human Resources Development Council of Sri Lanka was honored to host this important event on behalf of the Lead Country and remains committed to advancing the BIMSTEC region’s vision for integrated human resource development.

Awareness Program on the Findings of the Study on Challenges Affecting the Effectiveness of the 13-Year Guaranteed Education Programme held in Central Province

An awareness programme on the Study on Challenges Affecting the Effectiveness of the 13-Year Guaranteed Education Programme in Sri Lanka was held on 24th July 2025 at the Central Provincial Council Auditorium in Pallekele. The event aimed to strengthen the effective integration of ongoing educational reforms into the school system.

The programme provided insights into the objectives of the national initiative, which ensures uninterrupted 13 years of schooling for every child, preparing them for the world of work. The session highlighted the key findings of the research conducted by the National Human Resources Development Council of Sri Lanka (NHRDC), discussed challenges identified during the study, and reviewed the progress of schools currently implementing the programme. Participants also explored ways to enhance provincial-level contributions towards the programme’s success.

Organized in line with the national effort to keep students engaged in school after the G.C.E. Ordinary Level examination and to equip them with skills to face future challenges, this provincial event served as a platform for discussion, evaluation, and problem-solving.

The programme was resourcefully facilitated by NHRDC Research Officers Mr. R.D.C. Sandeepa Rajapaksha and Mr. D. Senthilnadan, who presented key observations and policy implications of the study.

Organized by the Office of the Chief Secretary of the Central Province, the event was attended by Chief Secretary of the Central Province Mr. Ajith Premasinghe, Secretary to the Chief Ministry and Ministry of Education (Central Province) Ms. Madupani Piyasena, Provincial Director of Education (Central Province) Mr. Nihal Alahakoon, Deputy Chief Secretary (Planning) of Central Province Mr. A. A. Weerakoon, Zonal Directors of Education, Principals, subject teachers, and education sector professionals.

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