Month: June 2023

Participants of the Diploma in Diplomacy and World Affairs Programme had the opportunity to showcase their presentation skills recently.

Participants attending the first module on Diplomatic Skills and Practice had their first assignment on 27^th June 2023 which enabled them to showcase their presentation skills.

All participants divided into eight groups made presentations exhibiting their talents, under themes Gastro Diplomacy, BRICS Currency, the Singapore-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement, Bilateral Negotiations, Cultural Diplomacy for Drug Prevention, ICRC Diplomacy and How Tiktok tweaked the tale of USA and China.

Their abilities were demonstrated in various forms such as role-playing performances, panel discussions and narrating. This assignment of the Diploma Course gives an opportunity for participants to explore their hidden skills in order to pursue in a real world setting.

The Hon. Foreign Minister Ali Sabry who was the chief guest at the second day opening of the National Industry Exhibition held at the BMICH on the 23^rd of June 2023, visited the BIDTI at the invitation of the Director General. Despite Minister’s busy schedule, his visit at a short notice was welcomed by the staff.

Foreign Minister who was instrumental in relocating the BIDTI to its original venue at the BMICH was pleased to see the institute in its present conditions.

The BIDTI conducted a 2- day training programme on diplomatic skills for the academics of the Open University of Sri Lanka on 6^th and 7^th June 2023. The programme was the first of its kind and was organised at the request of the Open University of Sri Lanka (OUSL) who felt the need of diplomatic skills for engaging with their peers internationally.

At the inauguration of the programme, the Director General of the BIDTI stated that the programme would provide an insight into a number of important aspects on diplomacy which would be useful for the participants in their academic careers. Dr. Prasad Senadeera, Director, International Relations of the OUSL and the coordinator of the programme spoke about how academics are involved in the international arena without having the skills needed to navigate it effectively. He mentioned that he felt the need for such a programme when he was at the International Research Institute where he had to deal with representatives from many countries and witness how individuals from different nations interact with each other.

The programme focused on introduction to diplomacy, diplomatic protocol, etiquette and correspondence, communication skills and negotiating skills in bilateral and multilateral settings, organizing and attending conferences and techniques in developing partnerships.

The two day programme was attended by heads of departments, senior professors and senior lecturers of the Open University of Sri Lanka and Universities of Kelaniya, Moratuwa, Wayamba and Sri Jayawardenapura.

The BIDTI is pleased to acknowledge the expertise provided by the Initiator of Awarelogue Initiative Dr. George I. H. Cooke, Director General of Ocean Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and longest serving chief of Protocol Ambassador M. R. Hussen, Deputy Solicitor General Mr. Rajiv Goonetilleke, Former Legal Adviser Ministry of Foreign affairs Mr. Thusantha Wijemanna, Ambassador A. L. A. Azeez and Corporate Leader Dr. Nuwan Wimalana to conduct the programme.

The Bandaranaike International Diplomatic Training Institute (BIDTI) conducted a training programme for the staff of the Parliament of Sri Lanka on the formalities to adhere when receiving and attending to dignitaries and organizing conferences. The programme, held on 30^th May 2023 at the Parliament was attended by approximately 100 participants.

The programme begun with an introduction to diplomacy and a session on Diplomatic Privileges and Immunities followed by training on receiving dignitaries at various levels. Further, with regard to the formalities and arrangements for Heads of States/ Govts., to address the Parliament as well as formalities involving diplomatic corps and visiting dignitaries calling on the Hon. Speaker. Correct form of addressing dignitaries and display of flags at various bilateral and multilateral events were explained. A final session was conducted on exchanging gifts with dignitaries.

Former Legal Adviser of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Thusantha Wijemanna, Director General, Ocean Affairs – Ministry of Foreign Affairs and longest serving Chief of Protocol, M. R. Hassen contributed to the programme while introductory remarks made by Sergent-at-arms of the Parliament, Narendra Fernando and Director General of the BIDTI.