My Journey with LOGODI and KOICA:
Learning, Leading, and Looking Forward      By Anusha Batawala Gamage

안녕하세요, Ayubowan, and warm greetings to LOGODI alumni around the world,

I am Anusha Batawala Gamage, serving as the Additional Director General for Learning and Development at the Sri Lanka Institute of Development Administration (SLIDA)—Sri Lanka’s apex institution for public sector capacity building. With over two decades of experience in public administration, I have led national-level transformation in public service leadership development, training systems design, and training curriculum alignment for competency-based qualifications.

Participating in the 2025 KOICA-LOGODI Training Program on Public Sector Innovation and Leadership was both an honour and a defining professional experience. The timing was especially meaningful, as Sri Lanka continues to strengthen its governance architecture through regional development, digital transformation, and improved institutional accountability. This program was not just training—it was a transformational journey.

The curriculum was rigorous, forward-looking, and deeply relevant, focusing on core topics such as future-oriented leadership, AI and data-based governance, regional development, smart cities, and citizen-centred service delivery. The lectures—delivered by committed professors and practitioners—bridged the gap between policy and implementation, stimulating reflective dialogue among participants.

Among the most impactful components were the field visits—including the Anyang Smart City Integrated Center, the Digital Twin platform at Korea Land and Geospatial Informatix Corporation, and urban regeneration projects in Seoul. These experiences brought policy to life and offered a clear vision of what future-ready, locally empowered governance looks like in practice.

Yet beyond the knowledge and skills, what truly distinguished this experience was LOGODI’s exceptional human warmth, discipline, and professionalism. It was a valuable opportunity to learn about Korea's advanced local administration innovation cases and experience them firsthand, as well as to witness a learning environment built on excellence, humility, and hospitality.

The Korean food and cultural experiences added a rich and unforgettable layer to the program. Each meal was more than nourishment—it reflected Korea’s values of care, hospitality, and harmony. From the vibrant Bibimbap and comforting Ginseng chicken soup to the savory Gimbap, every dish told a story. Enjoying a steaming bowl of spicy Korean ramyeon after a long day of sessions was both energising and comforting. And of course, no Korean meal is complete without Kimchi, a dish that symbolises Korea’s deep-rooted tradition of preservation, health, and communal sharing.

Participating in the cultural tour at Jeonju Hanok Village, dressed in hanbok, walking the stonepaved streets, and exploring Korea’s traditional architecture and crafts allowed us to engage deeply with Korean heritage. These cultural encounters reminded us that public service is not only a technical duty, but a cultural practice rooted in identity and values.

From a professional perspective, I found LOGODI’s training model deeply aligned with SLIDA’s mission. The philosophy of lifelong learning, institutional relevance, and outcomeoriented training validated our approach in implementing the Credit-Based Qualification System(CBQS)—a competency-based, modular system designed to enhance the performance and career growth of civil servants in Sri Lanka.

I extend my sincere thanks to KOICA, LOGODI President Ahn Jun Ho, Mr. Jae Woong Youn, and the entire team at the International Training and Cooperation Division. Your excellence in design and delivery, combined with your generous spirit of international cooperation, made this program both intellectually rewarding and personally memorable.

As we return to our institutions, we bring not only new knowledge but also a renewed commitment to service. My sincere wish is that the friendships, wisdom, and inspiration we shared at LOGODI will continue to grow—across borders, cultures, and generations of public leaders.

May we carry this spirit of learning and collaboration into every corner of our work, and continue to serve our communities with purpose, compassion, and integrity.

The conclusion of this is not the end of a learning program—it is the beginning of a meaningful journey that will help shape the future of public service in our region.

Bohoma sthuthi. 감사합니다. Thank you.