PIM to help improve best practices in Customs - Dr. Liyanage

The country needs a strategic approach with a long-term vision that includes development initiatives and programs to bridge the competency and work ethics gap, said Director, Post Graduate Institute of Management (PIM) Dr. Uditha Liyanage.

He was speaking after signing the tripartite MoU with the PIM, University of Sri Jayawardenepura and the Centre for Customs and Excise Studies (CCES), University of Canberra, Australia to educate the Customs staff of Sri Lanka and the South Asian region.

Dr. Liyanage quoting Management Guru Peter Drucker said there are no developed or undeveloped countries - it is either well managed or badly managed countries that exist.

"If a country manages its affairs in an effective manner then it will be a rich and vibrant country. Lack of competency and skills in management has hindered development in many countries", he said.

The ability to blend theoretical knowledge with experience is what differentiates a professional from a practitioner. Management is a process and an input on which the success of an organisation lie. If the input is positive the outcome will be good. "The postgraduate management courses will enhance the knowledge and skills which will enable the Customs Department to adopt best practices and provide an effective service to the stakeholder Dr. Liyanage said.

CEO, CCES, Prof. David Widdowson said the task of the Customs is not only to collect revenue for the government but also to enforce international trade policies.

The Customs staff need to be competent and skilful in handling international trade and strike a balance between regulatory control and trade", he said.

The program will offer Customs staff an opportunity to follow Advanced Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma and Masters in Customs Administration courses which will commence in January next year. The PIM and CCES have developed the curriculum to cover the public and private sector.

LF