The Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme was instituted by Government of India in 1964 as an assistance programme. This fully funded Programme, covering airfare, accommodation, study tours, course fee and other allowances, has grown considerably over the years and along with its sister program SCAAP (Special Commonwealth African Assistance Programme), 161 countries across
the globe are invited to gain from sharing of the Indian developmental experience.
Under capacity building, which is an important pillar of ITEC, professionals from these countries are o ered tailor-made training courses in both civilian and defence spheres across 24 di erent streams in reputed institutions in India.
Sri Lanka is among the most important ITEC partner countries and 402 fully-funded slots are o ered every year to Sri Lankan Government personnel and other nationals for short-term training programs towards enhancing their skill-set. The courses are spread over a multitude of sectors such as Management & Leadership, International Trade, Tourism, Textiles, Renewable Energy, Petroleum & Hydrocarbon, IT, English
language etc. The Programme draws an enthusiastic response in Sri Lanka every year.
On the request of the Government of Sri Lanka, customized capacity building training courses were organized for Ministry of Education, Police Department and Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption. 420 Sri Lankan officials benefited from these customized courses.
ITEC was modified into e-ITEC during COVID-19 in order to ensure continuity. Taken together, 422 participants from Sri Lanka attended various ITEC programs virtually and physically during 2021-22.
Prestigious St. Stephen’s College started their Young Leaders’ Neighbourhood-First Fellowship Programme in 2022. Largest number of participants (seven) in the Programme were from Sri Lanka
