The 25th Convocation of the Bandaranaike International Diplomatic Training Institute (BIDTI) was held on 10th July, 2024 at the BMICH with the presence of Hon. M. U. M. Ali Sabry, Minister of Foreign Affairs as the Chief Guest. He was accompanied by the Guest of Honour Hon. Tharaka Balasuriya, State Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Upon welcoming the guests, Director General commended the prospective awardees for their resilience and commitment to complete the respective programmes despite the hardships faced during the period. Further, she gave an overview of activities undertaken by the BIDTI since the last convocation held in October 2022.
The State Minister of Foreign Affairs Hon. Tharaka Balasuriya who was the Guest of Honour congratulated the prospective awardees for their achievements and emphasized the importance of learning diplomatic skills and world affairs to navigate an increasingly complex and globalized world. He appreciated the role played by the Institute in this regard. He referred to the unique geopolitical position of Sri Lanka and its rich cultural heritage which stands for a long history of diplomatic engagement, dating back to ancient times when it was a hub of maritime trade and cultural exchange.
Highlighting that diplomacy is evolving rapidly influence by technological advancements that is shifting the geopolitical landscape and global challenges such as climate change, health crises and economic instability, he said that the traditional state to state diplomacy is complemented by multilateralism and regionalism, soft power, public diplomacy, with wide range of actors including nongovernmental organizations, private sector and civil society.
Delivering the keynote address Chief Guest Minister of Foreign Affairs Hon. M. U. M. Ali Sabry congratulated forthcoming awardees and thanked the BIDTI for its efforts. He highlighted the importance of diplomacy as a path for a country like Sri Lanka. Further, he stated that diplomacy is important not only for all those who involve in governance but also private sector and for all those having dealings with the outside world. He emphasized on the importance of reading and learning of new trends that would help to handle evolving challenges successfully.
The Convocation ceremony consisted of awardees from academic years 2021/2022, 2022/2023 who received their awards amidst the presence of distinguished audience comprising of Ambassadors and High Commissioners, Representatives of International Organizations, Former Foreign Secretaries and Ambassadors as well as the Officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Former Attorney General, Former Secretary General of Parliament and visiting lecturers of the BIDTI.
The Hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Sabry and the State Minister of Foreign Affairs presented awards and certificates to the prospective awardees of the 8th Post graduate programme and the XXIVth, XXVth and XXVIth Diploma programmes of the BIDTI.