Did 40 Lankan Election Officials Enhance Their Skills Through Training in India?
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Synopsis
In a significant move towards enhancing electoral processes, 40 Sri Lankan election officials completed a specialized training program at IIIDEM in New Delhi. This initiative focuses on empowering officials with contemporary electoral knowledge, ensuring that Sri Lanka's elections are both credible and secure.
Key Takeaways
- 40 Sri Lankan election officials participated in a training program.
- The training was held at IIIDEM in New Delhi.
- Focus areas included voter empowerment and electoral best practices.
- Initiative is part of India's Neighbourhood First policy.
- Strengthens bilateral relations between India and Sri Lanka.
Colombo, Dec 1 (NationPress) A total of 40 election officials from Sri Lanka participated in a capacity building training held at the India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management (IIIDEM) in New Delhi recently, as reported by the Indian High Commission in Colombo on Monday.
The training program took place at IIIDEM from November 24-28 at the request of the Sri Lankan government. This tailored program for the Sri Lankan officials encompassed technical sessions covering topics such as international electoral standards, voter awareness, empowerment of voters, and electoral best practices. It also addressed contemporary themes like the use of Artificial Intelligence in managing elections and safeguarding them against misuse, social media monitoring, and tackling misinformation during elections, as well as emerging challenges in political finance.
The High Commission remarked, "This initiative was launched under the enhanced capacity-building framework introduced by Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi during his visit to Sri Lanka in April 2025, which added 700 customized slots annually for Sri Lankan professionals beyond existing schemes like ITEC."
"With approximately 300 Sri Lankan civil service officers receiving training annually under a MoU between the National Centre for Good Governance of India and the Sri Lanka Institute of Development Administration, India’s enhanced capacity-building efforts now benefit 1000 Sri Lankans every year," it further stated.
According to the statement, IIIDEM is a prestigious institution established in 2011 to train and prepare election officials and stakeholders for conducting fair, credible, and error-free elections. It functions under the direct supervision of the Election Commission of India (ECI).
India shares a long-standing relationship with Sri Lanka, dating back over 2,500 years. The close ties between the two nations are highlighted in India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and the MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) vision.
The rich cultural and social heritage shared by India and Sri Lanka, along with extensive interactions between their people, forms a solid foundation for a multi-faceted partnership.
Point of View
It is pivotal to recognize the significance of international collaborations in enhancing governance capabilities. This training exemplifies how Sri Lanka is making concerted efforts to improve its electoral framework, aligning with global standards. Such initiatives foster trust in democratic processes and strengthen bilateral ties.
NationPress
01/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the purpose of the training program?
The training aimed to enhance the capacity of Sri Lankan election officials, covering essential topics like electoral standards, voter empowerment, and contemporary challenges in electoral management.
Where was the training conducted?
The training took place at the India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management (IIIDEM) in New Delhi.
Who organized the training?
The training was organized at the request of the Sri Lankan government and facilitated by the Indian High Commission.
How many officials participated in the training?
A total of 40 Sri Lankan election officials participated in the training program.
What are the key topics covered in the training?
Topics included international electoral standards, voter awareness, use of Artificial Intelligence in elections, and addressing misinformation.
