The Sri Lanka ITEC Alumni Association was officially launched during its inaugural meeting at the Grand Crystal Ballroom of Hotel Taj Samudra in Colombo. Marking the first time Sri Lanka’s graduates of the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme have come together under a single organized platform, the initiative was established under the guidance of the Education Wing of the High Commission of India in Sri Lanka, led by First Secretary (Education) Sandeep Chaudhary.

The association brings together Sri Lankan professionals from the government, semi-government, and private sectors who have participated in capacity building and professional development programmes across leading institutions in India. Launched as a one of a kind platform, the network aims to strengthen professional networking across sectors, facilitate knowledge sharing and capacity development, run community initiatives and provide guidance for future Sri Lankan participants.

Established by the Government of India in 1961 as a fully funded training programme, ITEC has trained professionals from more than 160 countries in fields ranging from public administration, finance and IT to engineering, health and the environment, counting thousands of Sri Lankans among its alumni.

To steer its ongoing activities and future growth, the association has elected a core Executive Committee led by President Gayathri Suveendran. Furthermore, four specialized sectoral committees have been formed to drive the association’s core objectives, Establishment, Administration and Finance; ICT, Digital Transformation and Innovation; Coordination, Organising and Legal Affairs; and Media, Public Relations and Publications.

The founding of the association is expected to further reinforce bilateral goodwill, people to people ties and long-standing cooperation between Sri Lanka and India by harnessing the collective expertise of its alumni. (Eduwire)