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 offered tailor-made training courses in both civilian and defence spheres across 24 different streams in reputed institutions in India.
Sri Lanka is among the most important ITEC partner countries and 402 fully-funded slots are offered 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.
The Programme has been modified into e-ITEC due to restrictions on account of Covid. Since then, more than 550 participants from Sri Lanka attended various e-ITEC Programmes in diverse areas. Some of the latest modules extended to Sri Lanka dealt with Petroleum, traditional medicine, law and order etc.
