Training politicians on good governance

The Awards Ceremony of the Political Leadership Development Certificate Course, conducted by the National Democratic Institute (NDI) was held at the Lighthouse Hotel. Rebecca Cohn, Head of Mission - USAID was the chief guest while Bradman Weerakoon - UN Consultant delivered the keynote address. Nearly 100 political party representatives who successfully completed this certificate course were awarded certificates at the ceremony in the presence of Kumari Balasuriya, Governor, Southern Province. It was chaired by Javid Yusuf.

The pilot program introduced by NDI on Political Leadership Development commenced in January this year and was conducted in the Southern Province with the participation of over 100 political party representatives from Galle, Matara and Hambantota over eight months.

The program consisted chiefly of a residential training program which was delivered every month in the three southern districts. The program aimed at providing knowledge, creating awareness and developing skills on the basic concepts of good governance, electoral reform, local government, constitutional reform, human rights, conflict transformation and other relevant topics. The aim of the program was to impart knowledge and skills to local level political party representatives.

The effectiveness and neutrality of the program conducted by the National Democratic Institute - evidenced by the participation of 17 political parties has resulted in party organisers calling upon NDI to conduct party specific training programs on the electoral process, devolution of power, good governance practices and human rights.

NDI is currently working towards facilitating these programs in consultation with relevant parties.