Human Resource Development

Role of the Division

The main responsibility of the Human Resource Development Division is shaping the workforce of the department and other stake holders to meet the evolving demands of the livestock sector.We strategically nurture and enhance the skills, knowledge, and capabilities of employees and stakeholders, ensuring they are well-prepared to contribute effectively and efficiently to the advancement of livestock sector development, food security, safety, and public health.

Main Functions of the Division

• Extension and technology transfer
• Training and career development of staff of the department and other stake holders
• Diploma level education on livestock and poultry production
• Entrepreneurship development and self- employment support services
• Conduct the department and animal husbandry diploma school exams

Units of the Division

1. Institute of Continuing Education, Gannoruwa, Peradeniya.
2. Sri Lanka School of Animal Husbandry (SLSAH), Karandagolla, Kundasale.
3. Sri Lanka School of Animal Husbandry (SLSAH), Seeppukulama, Anuradhapura.
4. Departmental Library, Institute of Continuing Education, Gannoruwa, Peradeniya. 
5. Extension Support Centre, DAPH, Peradeniya.
6. Livestock Knowledge Center, Gatambe, Peradeniya.
7. Livestock Technology Park. Gannoruwa, Peradeniya.
8. Examinations Unit, DAPH, Peradeniya.
9. Media unit, DAPH, Peradeniya.
10. Entrepreneurship Development and Investment Promotion Unit

Institute of Continuing Education

Established in 1987, the Institute of Continuing Education was founded with the primary aim of delivering in-service training to department employees, along with providing animal husbandry-related training to external stakeholders. Our institute is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities including an auditorium, lecture halls, an e-learning center, library, hostels, dining facilities, and other amenities essential for conducting training sessions, workshops, conferences, and seminars organized by both the department and external institutions.

Sri Lanka Schools of Animal Husbandry

Sri Lanka Schools of Animal Husbandry (SLSAH), located in Kundasale and Seeppukulama are  dedicated to providing comprehensive animal husbandry education to the nation. Our mission is to provide formal middle level animal husbandry education on scientific commercial animal husbandry to interested youths and other stakeholders in the livestock industry having relevant qualification, through conducting the higher national diploma program in livestock production technology and training for sustainable livestock sector development to assure the food security of country.

Seeppukulama Sri Lanka School of Animal Husbandry established in 1985 is situated in Seeppukulama, Anuradhapura District.

Karandagolla Sri Lanka School of Animal Husbandry was established in 2003 following the closure of Department animal husbandry school which was situated in Walisara, Western province.

At SLSAH, we offer a range of courses designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary for success in the field:

1. Higher National Diploma in Livestock Production Technology (NVQ 5 and NVQ 6): This program is open to students who have completed their GCE A/L in Biology, Agriculture, or Biotechnology streams with a minimum of three passes.
2. NVQ 3 and NVQ 4 Level Training Courses on Livestock and Poultry Production: Tailored to meet the needs of the livestock and poultry industry, these courses provide practical training and certification at intermediate and advanced levels.

Our diploma holders are well-positioned for a variety of career opportunities, including positions within the Sri Lanka Technological Service. Moreover, they are sought after by private livestock farms both domestically and internationally.

Higher National Diploma in Livestock Production Technology

• Diploma Name: Higher National Diploma in Livestock Production Technology. NVQ Level 5-6.
• Age of Recruitment: Applicants should be between 18 – 25 years old.
• O/L Requirements:

  Must have passed the General Certificate of Education (Ordinary Level) Examination in six subjects, not more than twice, with a credit pass in Sinhala Language and Literature / Tamil Language and Literature, Mathematics and Science and a credit pass in one other subject, and an ordinary pass in English and one other subject.

  Here, at least five subjects must have been passed in one of the two sittings, with credit passes in 03 subjects.

• A/L Requirements:

  General Certificate of Education (Advanced Level) Qualifications must be fulfilled in any of the ways as given in 1 or 2 below

  1. Candidates who have passed the General Certificate of Education (Advanced Level), must have passed all 3 subjects in the Biology stream, i.e. Biology, Physics and Chemistry, in the G.C.E. (Advanced Level) Examination at one sitting.

  In the A.C.E. (Advanced Level) Examination, must have passed all 3 subjects in the Biology stream, i.e. Biology, Agriculture and Chemistry, in the G.C.E. (Advanced Level) Examination.

  In the A.C.E. (Advanced Level) Examination, must have passed all 3 subjects in the Technology stream, i.e. Biosystems Technology, Science for Technology and Agriculture, in the G.C.E. (Advanced Level) Examination.

  2 A.C.E. (A. L) Candidates who do not meet the qualifications

  A. L. (Advanced Level) Examination, having passed 02 subjects in one sitting, having studied Biology, Physics and Chemistry

  Having passed 02 subjects in one sitting, having studied Biology, Agriculture and Chemistry

  Having passed 02 subjects in one sitting, including Agriculture under the Technology stream

• Applicants who have fulfilled the General Certificate of Education (Advanced Level) qualifications in any way as stated above and have completed a course at the level of (NVQ 04) in the field of animal husbandry and have confirmed this by means of a certificate

• Medium of Instruction: English
• Duration: The course spans 2 years of residential study at the school followed by ½ year of on-the-job training.

NVQ 4 Course - Livestock Technician Course / Dairy Cattle Husbandry Assistant Course

Eligibility for admission:

• Have a certificate from an NVQ 3 course related to animal husbandry or have passed six subjects with three credits in the G.C.E. (Ordinary Level) examination
• The course duration is one year. Lectures are held for six months and in-service training is held for six months.
• The course is conducted at the Seeppukulam Animal Husbandry College.

Extension Support Centre

In 2023, the "Extension Support Centre" was launched as an e-extension initiative, dedicated to offering advisory services to the livestock farming community in Sri Lanka. Our goal is to assist farmers with their day-to-day livestock challenges through easily accessible and reliable phone consultations and other e-communication means.

The Extension Support Centre operates on weekdays during office hours, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. For expert guidance on any livestock-related issue, farmers can reach out to us at 081 2 320 320.

Our team of experienced technical officers is ready to provide advice and solutions to callers' queries. In cases where more specialized assistance is required, specialists from the Department of Animal Production and Health are available to address complex technical issues.

Utilizing various modern information technologies, we strive to deliver efficient and effective advisory services to the nation, ensuring the well-being and success of Sri Lanka's farming community.

Livestock Knowledge Center

Livestock Knowledge established in 2011 under the jurisdiction of the Human Resource Development Division, its primary mandate is publication and sale of livestock-related materials.

Media Unit

The Media Unit is a pivotal component of our livestock promotion efforts, equipped with digital audio recording facilities, video recording, editing, and production capabilities. Our mandate is to create compelling media content focused on promoting livestock advancements and showcasing the successes of farmers and farmer societies within the livestock sector.

Video and Photography section undertakes a crucial mission to disseminate latest livestock technologies and highlight the achievements of farmers and farmer societies. With the integration of digital audio recording and photographic activities, we aim to enhance our storytelling capabilities and engage our audience effectively.

Through our video division, we take pride in empowering farmers with knowledge and fostering the growth of the local livestock economy through visually compelling television programs. These video programs are broadcasted via Sri Lankan TV channels and secondary media platforms such as the "LIVESTOCK TELEVISION", DAPH official YouTube channel and the "DAPH Extension" DAPH official Facebook page to reach a wider audience.

Our Livestock Radio programs, "Sathwapalanayayi Obe Arthikayayi" on Lakhanda Radio ITN and "Sathwa Govipola" on Kandura FM channel of the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation, serve as valuable platforms to technology transfer and disseminate information related to livestock sector.

The graphic section within the Media Unit is dedicated to designing all print media required to the Department. From printed materials to e-publications, our team focuses on delivering visually appealing and informative content to support our livestock promotion efforts.

Livestock Technology Park

Established in 2012, the Animal Technology Park is located within the picturesque Gannoruwa area, spanning 1.6 hectares of land adjacent to the Model Lake in the Agricultural Technology Park.

Livestock Technology Park serves as a vital educational hub showcasing various models of livestock farming, livestock & poultry species and pasture & fodder varieties with cultivation techniques. It aims to impart essential technical knowledge to visitors, promoting practices in animal husbandry.

The park comprises several dedicated units such as chicken, duck, cattle, goat, sheep, rabbit, pasture and fodder each offering insights into different aspects of livestock management. Visitors to the Livestock Technology Park can explore these units to learn about diverse livestock species, innovative farming methods, and the production of various agricultural products agriculture.

Examinations Unit

The Examination Unit is entrusted with a wide spectrum of examination tasks critical to the growth and operation of the sector. Operating with unwavering dedication to integrity, precision, and professionalism, our unit serves as a cornerstone in maintaining the integrity of examinations. Our mission is to cultivate talent, foster ongoing learning, and uphold the caliber of human resources within the sector through meticulously conducted examinations.

Our key responsibilities include conducting following examinations:

1. Recruitment examinations of students into National/Higher National Diploma Courses
2. Evaluation and Assessment of diploma students of SLSAH
3. Examinations to recruit employees to the department
4. Efficiency Bar Examination for employees of the Department of Animal Production & Health
5. Assist in conducting animal husbandry related examinations of other organizations