Australia Awards South and West Asia

Twenty-five middle managers and emerging leaders from Sri Lanka recently completed an Australia Awards Short Course on Governing in the Digital Age, delivered by Griffith University. At the conclusion of the Short Course, participants received their certificates of completion from Australia’s Deputy High Commissioner to Sri Lanka and Maldives, Lalita Kapur.

The course participants represented organisations and government agencies such as the Prime Minister’s Office, Ministry of Technology, Attorney General’s Department, and Department of Census and Statistics, as well as a variety of other government divisions and non-governmental/private organisations in Sri Lanka. Of the 25 participants, 11 were women.

Australia’s Deputy High Commissioner to Sri Lanka and Maldives, Lalita Kapur, addressing the participants at the certificate awarding ceremony.

The Short Course was designed to explore the responses of different governments (including the Australian Government) to COVID-19, focusing on data availability, data usability and best practices that can be implemented within the South Asia region in the short, medium and long term.

The teachings of the course aimed to strengthen the capacity of governments in producing, analysing and using data to make policy decisions. The course provided examples, strategies and tools that international and Australian agencies have applied in the use of data, including big data for policymaking and implementation.

The Short Course consisted of three components, all taking place in 2024: Preliminary Learning Activities (completed online on 27–29 May), Core Learning Elements (conducted in Australia on 24 June – 5 July) and Applied Learning Activities (held in Sri Lanka on 28–29 October), as part of which participants had opportunity to assess their Return-to-Work Plans.

Participant Anuruddha Bandara said that the in-Australia component of the Short Course was “a transformative experience that has broadened my understanding of the digital landscape and its implications on governance”.

Anuruddha (second from right) attending the certificate awarding ceremony in Sri Lanka.

Anuruddha also shared further insights into his experience of the course. “I was particularly impressed by the course’s focus on practical applications, such as the use of big data analytics in policymaking and artificial intelligence for conservation efforts. The course also emphasised the importance of gender and social inclusion principles in the digital age, which is crucial for ensuring that everyone benefits from the opportunities and challenges of digital transformation,” he said. “Additionally, the network I have built with fellow participants from both countries will undoubtedly foster future collaborations and knowledge exchange.”

Participant Ananda Arasu Selladurai also spoke highly about the course as he reflected on his experience. “One of the most valuable aspects of the course was the field visits to various institutions, which provided practical insights into public administration and the delivery of services in Australia within the context of the digital age. These visits were instrumental in deepening my understanding of how digital technologies are being integrated into government operations and public services, offering valuable lessons that can be applied in other contexts,” he said.

Participant Gayani Hurulle, Senior Research Manager of LIRNEasia said, “The Short Course was insightful and enriching, with site visits proving especially valuable. Services Australia—which manages a variety of social protection programs—demonstrated how intra-government data sharing can facilitate eligibility verification and improve service quality. Additionally, we observed the extensive use of digital tools in the Queensland Courts, including video links for remote court hearings and AI-based transcription systems, which provided valuable insights into the potential for digital transformation in Sri Lanka. We also benefited greatly from the mentorship of the faculty at Griffith University, who shared their subject matter expertise and insights into the Australian experience.”

Gayani (right) receiving her Short Course completion certificate from Deputy High Commissioner, Lalita Kapur (left).

The Short Course was designed to deepen Australia’s relationship with Sri Lanka and other South Asian countries, and highlight the need for governments and policymakers to have effective data ecosystems. Such data systems ensure a sustainable future by informing policy decisions for effective governance, efficient public service systems and competent disaster/emergency responsiveness.