A NPC team visited Sabaragamuwa University to assess the progress of its forthcoming project on inclusive service delivery. NPC is planning to offer an advanced certificate course on sustainable peace through inclusive service delivery at the Ruhuna, Sabaragamuwa, Jaffna and Eastern universities as a part of a Freedom House funded project, Pluralism and Inclusive Service Delivery.

The objective of the course is to equip government officers with the knowledge of peace building and pluralism and tools and methodologies that increase effectiveness and efficiency of delivery of inclusive services.

During the visit the NPC team had a series of discussions with academic and administrative teams of the university including Vice Chancellor Prof. Udaya Ratnayaka, who pledged his support and said he would speak to the Government Agent of Ratnapura to ensure participation of relevant government officials in the course. The programme coordinator senior lecturer Ravindra Palliyaguru participated in the meetings.

During the visit the team discussed the course approval process and suggested actions to speed it up, as well as to find solutions for other issues that have impact on demand for the course, with academic and administrative teams of the university. University personnel said they would expedite the process so that Sabaragamuwa University would have the first batch in November. The course will be held in Ratnapura due to the transport difficulties of candidates.