The National Institute of Co-operative Development (NICD) which has played a key role in the development of the Co-operative Movement in Sri Lanka was functioning as the Sri Lanka Co-operative School under the Department of Co-operative Development from 1943 to 2001. Sri Lanka Co-operative School was re-organized as the National Institute Co-operative Development with the aim of expanding and of developing it as more independent body under the Act No. 1 of National Institute of Co-operative Development. The Institute was established in a 22-acre block of land near Mahaweli Diverting Dam at Polgolla Gramaniladhari Division, Pathadumabara Provincial Secretarial Division in the Kandy District where a conducive educational environment is available. The main objective of the Institute is to develop the knowledge and skills of people who serve in Co-operative Sector so that a more productive and efficient contribution to the field is obtained. The tools that are used by the Institution to enhance and update their knowledge include conducting Courses, Workshops, Counselling Programs, Research and Updating and maintaining Co-operative data systems, providing facilities for information communication and the development of liaison Co-operative Institutes. In order to supply a productive service, the National Institute of Co-operative Development possesses physical as well as human resources. The physical resources consist of the Mahinda Rajapaksha Auditorium with a seating capacity of 1120, Lecture Halls which includes the Main Hall, student accommodation, catering services, a Computer Laboratory, Audio-Visual Press facilities, a well-equipped Library and Parking facilities. The human resources consisting of 71 Staff Members is also extremely important. The National Institute of Co-operative Development has been functioning under the State Ministry of Trade, Commerce & Food Security. The Board of Management, consisting of 08 members headed by the Chairman, directs the administration of institutional affairs and the Academic Board appointed by the Board of Management supervises the academic affairs of the Institute. The Director General is the Chief Executive Officer of the Institute. The National Institute of Co-operative Development is playing an important role in the work of the Ministry of Co-operative Services & Marketing Development, in helping to overcome the present challenges being faced by the Ministry. The Institute has, in addition, been providing its services consistently during the last two decades, working in close collaboration with the Department of Co-operative Development, the Commission of Co-operative Workers and the National Co-operative Board.