Diploma in Development Policy Analysis (DPA)

Background to Introduce the Diploma Program

The Development Policy Analysis has become important for Sri Lanka since the country intends to achieve a higher growth rate every year. However, the country’s growth rate and the entire development has not been satisfactory throughout the post independent period. As such, it is important to train those who are interested in development policy with a more specialty. This diploma program accomplishes this goal by offering a broad array of analytical techniques, a wide perspective on pressing policy issues, and practical experience in the dynamics of policy-making organizations at local and national level.

The role of knowledge in the policy process has remained a central theoretical puzzle in policy analysis. The evidence-based policy making has focused on the debate on questions of how knowledge use can improve the quality of policy choices. The overall objective of this program is to provide the opportunity to explore the way in which theory and evidence can be used to analyze contemporary policy issues. The program should be of particular value to students who intend to work as professional in government institutions or other agencies, where they will be expected to provide analysis and advice on specific issues of policy, including new and unfamiliar issues.

Admission Requirements

Following qualifications are required for admission to the diploma in development
policy analysis:

• General Certificate of Education (Ordinary Level) with minimum 6 subjects in a single attempt or an equivalent qualification and certified work experience equivalent to a minimum period of three years in development field and local government
  Or
• General Certificate of Education (Advanced level) with minimum two subjects or an equivalent qualification in any field of study
  Or
• Successful completion of SLQF Level 2 in Economics or development studies
  And
• Pass the interview scheduled for the purpose

Selection Procedure

An interview will be held to select suitable candidates when the number of applicants exceeds the intended intake.

Student Intake
Maximum of 60 students per program; however, the diploma will be started only if at least 55 candidates are registered.

Course fee: Rs.57 500
Duration: One year (Two Semesters) Diploma
Lectures: Saturdays from 8.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m.
Medium: Sinhala

Target groups

• Public representatives and officers in local government authorities
• Management Assistants, Development Officers, Field Officers and officers in parallel grades in government and semi-government sectors
• Field Officers in Non-Governmental Organizations and in the private sector
• Executive officers without degree qualifications
Candidates who successfully complete this course will be eligible to apply for the Bachelor in Arts (external) Degree conducted by the University of Sri Jayewardenepura.
This course consists of local or foreign field visits. The cost of filed visits is not included within the course fee and will be arranged according to each student’s interest.

Inquiries

Prof. Shirantha Heenkenda
Course Coordinator-Department of Economics
Tel: 0112802014
University of Sri Jayewardenepura
Gangodawila
Nugegoda