University of Kelaniya launches 'Participatory Democracy' course; Selection letters issued to 100 rural field officers

The inauguration ceremony for the 'Certificate Course on Participatory Democracy', jointly conducted by the Department of Political Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, and the AFRIEL Youth Network, was successfully held yesterday (02).

The event also included the handing over of selection letters to the chosen cohort of government rural field officers.

Selection of Participants

​A total of 100 rural-level field officers, including Grama Niladharis, Economic Development Officers, Agricultural Research Production Assistants, and Agrarian Services Officers were selected for the first two batches through a screening examination and interview process, conducted with the support of the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils, and Local Government.

Objectives and Significance of the Programme

The course aims to provide these government officers with deep knowledge and practical training in democratic governance, good governance, and civil participation. Course Coordinator Dr. Nadeeka Damayanthi emphasized the program's significance, stating that it is a key step towards creating public servants who will strengthen democratic practices in Sri Lanka.

Ravindra De Silva, Chairman of the AFRIEL Youth Network, the collaborating partner, addressed the gathering, stating, "We are immensely happy to invest in the democratic values, understanding, and commitment of the rural government service in our country.

We believe this program will provide great strength for rural development. Furthermore, an allocation of Rs. 8 million has been made for this course for the upcoming year, and future developmental activities are also expected."

Distinguished Guests and Academic Participation

The event was graced by the Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Acting Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya, Professor M. M. Gunathilaka, as the chief guest.

Vimukthi Dushantha, Deputy Executive Director of AFRIEL Youth Network, handed over supplementary reading materials prepared for the course to the Head of the Department of Political Science, Professor Osantha Thalapavila.

​Also in attendance were other prominent academic leaders from the University of Kelaniya, including the Head of the Department of Sociology, Prof. K. Karunathilaka, Head of the Department of Economics, Senior Professor W. M. Semasinghe, and Head of the Department of International Studies, Yamuna Mendis, along with a large number of academic and non-academic staff from the university and the Board of Directors from AFRIEL.

​The University and the AFRIEL Youth Network expressed confidence that these field officers, now equipped with knowledge on democracy and good governance, will make a strong contribution to the development of their communities and the strengthening of good governance in Sri Lanka.