1) Overview

The In-Service Training Center (ISTC), located at Elwala, Matale, operates under the Department of Export Agriculture and serves as a leading training institution dedicated to human resource development in Sri Lanka’s export agriculture sector. The center conducts both theoretical and practical training programs for departmental officers, farmers, entrepreneurs, students studying agriculture-related subjects, and other stakeholders. The main objective of the In-Service Training Center is to promote new knowledge, technology, and entrepreneurial skills in the export agriculture sector while building an efficient and sustainable service. To achieve this, a wide range of training programs covering different subject areas are organized annually.

 Officer Training Programs

Specialized training programs are conducted for Scientific Service Officers, Executive Officers, Extension Officers, Technical Officers, Development Officers, Management Service Officers, and other staff members of the Department of Export Agriculture. These training programs cover areas such as,

• Cultivation and maintenance of export agricultural crops
• Post-harvest technology
• Public financial and administrative management
• Procurement procedures
• Communication and agricultural extension methods
• Leadership and personal development
• Data management and the use of AI technologies
• Scientific research and publication

 DEA Conferences and Workshops

ISTC organizes departmental conferences, progress review meetings, research-extension dialogues, and specialized technical workshops. These programs provide opportunities to discuss and share new research findings, practical experiences, and policy-related matters.

 Farmer Training Programs

ISTC also conducts theoretical and practical training programs for export crop farmers. These programs focus on the cultivation, post-harvest management, pest and disease control, nursery management, soil conservation, and value addition of export crops such as pepper, coffee, cocoa, vanilla, cardamom, ginger, and many other export agricultural crops.

 Training for Other Stakeholders

Special training programs are also organized for agri-entrepreneurs, private sector organizations, and other stakeholders connected to the sector. Key areas include export procedures, market requirements, branding, certification, and value-added product development.

 Student Training Programs

The center provides theoretical and field-based training opportunities for students from universities, agricultural colleges, and technical institutes. These programs aim to improve practical knowledge, agribusiness entrepreneurship skills, and research capabilities in the export agriculture sector.

 Facilities for External Organizations

ISTC provides its training halls, conference facilities, residential facilities, and transport arrangements for field activities to both government and private sector institutions. These facilities can be used to conduct conferences, workshops, and professional training programs.

 Online Training Programs

In line with modern technological trends, ISTC also conducts online training programs targeting remote participants. Lectures, workshops, and awareness programs are delivered through Zoom and the department’s digital and social media platforms, allowing participants from all parts of the country to join conveniently.