Continuous training is essential to adapt ourselves to the rapidly changing environment and to remain relevant within those changes. Training serves as an important tool that can bring about changes in a person’s knowledge and behaviour. Therefore, the true benefit of the training you have received should be reflected in your work, stated the Hon. Governor of the Northern Province, N. Vethanayahan.
A certificate awarding event for officers who completed various courses conducted by the Management Development Training Unit (MDTU) operating under the Office of the Deputy Chief Secretary – Personnel and Training of the Northern Provincial Council was held today – on Tuesday, 18 August 2026, at the auditorium of the Chief Secretary’s Secretariat of the Northern Province. The Governor, who participated in the event as the chief guest and addressed the gathering, made the above remarks.
Continuing his address, the Governor noted that it is commendable that various training programmes and courses are being continuously conducted by the Management Development Training Unit. In particular, he stated that departmental-level training programmes conducted after heads of departments identify the training needs of their staff and accordingly arrange the programmes provide highly beneficial outcomes.
The Governor also noted that when the officers who received certificates at today’s event shared their training experiences, they stated that they were able to feel the beneficial impact of such training programmes. He pointed out that there is a significant difference between general training programmes and training provided according to the needs of a particular department.
The Governor noted that the number of applicants for general training programmes is low and that even after applying, some do not participate in the training programmes, while participation by staff is higher in training programmes conducted based on departmental needs.
The Governor further stated that since Development Officers and Management Service Officers are required to work on a rotational basis under various departments, acquiring the necessary knowledge and skills regarding the functions and responsibilities of each sector in which they work would greatly contribute to their professional development.
The Governor also took note of the view presented that the number of participants from some districts is low because the Management Development Training Unit is located in Kilinochchi. He stated that, after consulting with the Chief Secretary regarding the facilities that can be provided to participants and the possibility of conducting training programmes in districts that are convenient for them, appropriate measures will be taken in the future.
At this event, 111 officers under the Department of Cooperative Development and 25 officers under the Provincial Internal Audit Unit received certificates.
The Chief Secretary of the Northern Province, Deputy Chief Secretary – Engineering Services, Provincial Internal Auditor, Commissioner of Provincial Department of Cooperative Development, Assistant Commissioners of Cooperative Development and several other relevant officials participated in the event.
