The objective is to support the Sri Lankan government in its efforts to facilitate its own plans for human resource development mainly for capacity building and institutional building, and thereby extend and enhance the bilateral relationship with Japan, the statement said.
Japan, which marks 60-years of diplomatic ties with Sri Lanka this year, have financially helped local students to follow a masters course since 2010.
Some 30 students are currently studying at selected Japanese universities, in the areas of public policy, finance and administration, regional development, poverty alleviation and macro and development economics.
This scholarship programme is expected to continue till 2014 and benefit about 60 young government officers.