'NISD, great contributor to development drive'

First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa who was the Chief Guest at the special graduation ceremony of the National Institute of Social Development (NISD) held at the BMICH, Colombo, conferring a degree on a student. Picture by Lalith Welivitigoda

First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa yesterday said that the services rendered by the National Institute of Social Development (NISD) to produce professionally qualified persons with capacity and knowledge necessary to solve people's problems in a productive and efficient manner is most praiseworthy. She said so when she graced the institute's special graduation ceremony held at the BMICH, Colombo as the Chief Guest.

The First Lady said Sri Lanka was marching towards rapid development under the leadership of President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

The National Institute of Social Development was making a great contribution towards the development drive by producing professionals who could provide solutions to people's problems productively and efficiently and this contribution by the institute was most commendable.

Social Service Minister Felix Perera said the main objective of the National Institute of Social Development was to render a special service to society by producing the manpower needs for the social development and welfare sector by utilizing knowledge and technology.

The First Lady also conferred 12 Masters of Arts degrees and 35 Bachelour of Arts degrees for Social Service and Social Development work at the convocation ceremony.

Social Services Deputy Minister Chandrasiri Suriyarachchi, UGC Chairman Prof. Prof. Kseunika Hirumburegama and National Institute of Social Development Director General Ridley Jayasinghe were also present.