
Validation Workshop on National Human Resources Development (NHRD) Policy for a Sustainable Future conducted by NHRDC
In alignment with the directives from the Sectoral Oversight Committee on an Open and Accountable Government of the Parliament of Sri Lanka, the National Human Resources Development Council (NHRDC) successfully organized a validation workshop on 15th August 2024. This workshop marked a significant step towards expediting the development of the National Human Resources Development (NHRD) Policy, aimed at ensuring a sustainable future for the nation. The workshop, held at Sankathani Hall, Sri Lanka Institute of Development Administration (SLIDA), brought together key stakeholders, experts, and sectoral representatives to validate the draft NHRD Policy. This draft policy has been meticulously developed by the NHRDC through a series of preliminary studies and stakeholder consultations. Mr. Thusitha Wanigasinghe, Chairman of NHRDC, chaired the event, which was attended by approximately 80 participants from various sectors. The gathering provided a valuable platform for presenting the draft policy and gathering contributions to enhance its effectiveness. Dr. Chandra Embuldeniya, Team Lead for the policy preparation, presented the draft NHRD Policy to the participants. During the workshop, it was agreed to establish committees for each policy pillar as the next phase of this initiative, ensuring the policy's continuous improvement and relevance. Governing Council Members who attended the workshop included: Mr. W.W.P. Yasaratne, Secretary, Ministry of Public Administration, Home Affairs, Provincial Councils & Local Government Mrs. Thilaka Jayasinghe, Secretary, Ministry of Education Mr. Shantha Weerasinghe, Secretary, Ministry of Industries Dr. Dharmasri Kumaratunga, Secretary, Ministry of Technology Mr. Kanapathipillai Mahesan, Secretary, Ministry of Sports & Youth Prof. Sampath Amaratunge, Chairman, University Grants Commission Mrs. Padmini Ranawaka, Chairperson, National Education Commission Dr. K.A. Lalithadheera, Director General, Tertiary and Vocational Education Commission Ms. H.L.J.K Amarasekara, Deputy Director, Department of National Budget, Ministry of Finance The event also saw the participation of Mr. Nihal Ranasinghe, Ministry of Justice (former Secretary to the Ministry of Education), and Mr. K.A. Thilakarathna, Consultant for the Sectoral Oversight Committee on an Open and Accountable Government of the Parliament of Sri Lanka, who provided valuable insights during the discussions. The workshop was a crucial milestone in the journey towards the finalization and implementation of the NHRD Policy, setting the stage for a more sustainable and well-planned future for Sri Lanka.
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A high-level consultation meeting was held on 20th March 2025 at the Board Room of NHRDC to advance the preparation of the National Human Resources Development (NHRD) Policy. The session brought together a panel of distinguished experts and senior public sector officials, reflecting the national importance of the policy initiative.
The meeting was chaired by Mr. Thusitha P. Wanigasinghe, Chairman of the National Human Resources Development Council (NHRDC). The discussions centered around aligning national human capital development priorities with evolving sectoral needs and governance frameworks.
Prominent attendees included:
Mr. S. Ranugge, Former Chairman of the Public Service Commission, SLAS (Retired)
Mr. Piyantha Mayadunne, Former Secretary to the Ministry of Public Administration, SLAS (Retired)
Mr. D.M.N.G.G. Tissa Karunaratne, Private Secretary to the Hon. Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government
Mrs. Himali Athaudage, Additional Secretary (School Sector Development), Ministry of Education
Mr. Shantha Weerasinghe, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government
Mrs. Wasana Edirisooriya, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Education
Prof. Dharmasri Wickramasinghe, Chairman, Tertiary and Vocational Education Commission (TVEC)
Mrs. Jayani Thilakarathne, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Education (Retired)
Mrs. Padmini Ranaweera, Former Chairman, National Education Commission
Mr. S.I.M. Rosa, Director (School Sector Development), Ministry of Education
Ms. Gayathri, Assistant Secretary, Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government
In addition, the Legal Officer cum Board Secretary and four Research Officers of the NHRDC were also present, contributing to the technical and administrative aspects of the discussion.
The National Human Resources Development Council of Sri Lanka is an institution established to perform an important role of work under the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government.
It takes responsibilities for work such as assisting to implement the policies pertaining to Human Resources Development and by giving priority in all the activities of Human Resources Development under the powers vested upon the said institute.