NAQDA Successfully Completes Community Development Training Programme to Strengthen Public Sector Leadership
NAQDA, in collaboration with the Ministry of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources, successfully concluded a comprehensive Community Development Training Programme series aimed at strengthening the leadership and community engagement capacities of senior, middle-level, and field officers working across the fisheries and rural development sectors. The programmes were conducted at the National Inland Fisheries and Aquaculture Training Institute (NIFATI), Kalawewa, from 27 January to 15 March 2026 with financial assistance from the India–Sri Lanka Foundation.
The programme brought together officers from the Ministry of Fisheries, Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, National Aquaculture Development Authority, National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA), Provincial Councils, and the Ministry of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment. A total of eleven three-day training programmes were conducted, benefiting more than 260 public sector officers.
The training was facilitated by international community development expert Mr. Ramakrishna Surdeo of India, with guidance from Mr. Kithsiri Dharmapriya, Chairman of NAQDA. The programme focused on strengthening leadership, teamwork, participatory planning, community empowerment, achievement motivation, and sustainable development through practical and experiential learning methods.
Unlike conventional classroom training, the programme incorporated simulation exercises, group discussions, case studies, reflective learning, and team-building activities including the Ring Toss Exercise, Marble Exercise, Pocket Board Exercise, and Tower Building Exercise. These activities enabled participants to gain practical insights into community empowerment, leadership, communication, and collaborative problem-solving.
Participant feedback indicated that the programme significantly enhanced self-confidence, leadership, teamwork, communication skills, and the practical application of community development concepts. Many participants highlighted the relevance of the training to their daily responsibilities and emphasized its value in improving service delivery and supporting sustainable livelihood development.
The programme concluded with recommendations to continue advanced training programmes and establish mentoring mechanisms to ensure that newly acquired knowledge and skills are effectively applied within institutions and local communities.
NAQDA expresses its sincere appreciation to the India–Sri Lanka Foundation for its financial support and continued partnership in strengthening institutional capacity and community development initiatives. The Authority also acknowledges the valuable contribution of Mr. Ramakrishna Surdeo and all participating institutions for making the programme a success.
January 01, 2026
