The SANASA Federation of Sri Lanka and CICTAB, India, organized an International Exposure Visit Programme on the Cooperative Business Model at the Hector Kobbekaduwa Agrarian Research and Training Institute in Colombo from August 30 to September 2, 2024.
The event attracted key representatives from India, including Dipti Yadav, Deputy Director of the National Cooperative Union of India (NCUI), and Sunita Aswal, Private Secretary, both representing India’s cooperative movement.
The program was inaugurated by Sri Lankan Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, with other prominent figures in attendance, such as Ajith Rajapaksha, Deputy Speaker of Parliament, and key members of the Sri Lankan cooperative community.
The initiative aimed to foster cooperation between India and Sri Lanka, while providing participants with an immersive experience in understanding Sri Lanka’s cooperative model.
During the five-day event, participants visited several significant cooperative institutions, such as the Galle Cooperative Hospital Limited, SANASA Development Bank PLC, and Moragalla SANASA Society. These visits allowed participants to observe the operations of cooperative societies in Sri Lanka and gain fresh perspectives on how these models are implemented at both local and national levels.
A highlight of the program was the presentation of a country paper by NCUI representatives during the valedictory function. The paper, titled Role and Activities of NCUI, outlined major initiatives such as the 17th Indian Cooperative Congress, NCUI’s educational efforts, field projects, and new ventures including the Incubation Centre, Cooperative Kitchen, and the Learning Management System (LMS) portal. This LMS platform aims to advance cooperative education by offering courses to both Indian and Sri Lankan participants.
At the closing ceremony, Dr. P. A. Kiriwandeniya, Chairman of SANASA, and other dignitaries, including Ms. H.A. Asha Hapuarachchi, Commissioner of the Department of Cooperative Development, and Mrs. Samadanie Kiriwandeniya, Managing Director of SANASA, expressed deep appreciation to all participants for their active involvement. They emphasized the importance of such collaborative efforts in strengthening the cooperative movement in both nations.
This exposure program not only enhanced mutual understanding between Indian and Sri Lankan cooperative leaders but also paved the way for future collaborative ventures in the region.
