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Bandaranaike International Diplomatic Training Institute (BIDTI) conducted a training programme on ‘Tea Serving Etiquette’ for the Office Assistants of the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB). The training held on 25th March 2025 at the Institute attended by twenty one participants comprised from the Head Office as well as Regional Offices of the EDB.
Participants had a briefing on different occasions of offering tea service and the etiquette needs to follow according to the event.
Participants of XXIXth Diploma in Diplomacy & World Affairs Programme had the opportunity of displaying their skills in multilateral negotiations recently (28/01) at the BIDTI.
‘Multilateral Negotiations’ is the second part of the assignment relevant to the 2nd Module of the Diploma conducted to assess participants’ competency in negotiating at a multilateral forum. Previously, they fulfilled the first part of the assignment ‘Bilateral Negotiations’ of the Module.
The engagement allowed participants to learn how to negotiate as delegates of countries belonged to different regional groups of the United Nations while upholding interests of their own country. It also helped them to get together with likeminded countries having similar views and limitations, to work out strategies to safeguard their interests.
Inauguration of the XXXth Course of the Diploma in Diplomacy & World Affairs programme of the Bandaranaike International Diplomatic Training Institute (BIDTI) took place on Wednesday, 5th February, 2025. At the outset, the Director General welcomed participants giving a brief introduction of the Institute. She mentioned that in spite of the BIDTI being the teaching institute of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; since its inception conducted programmes for the public who are interested in learning of diplomatic skills and conduct of international relations. Further, she highlighted the importance of following the global events, which has an impact on each one in the globalized world.
Ms. Theshani Milindi Weligamage, a former student and the recipient of the Sirimavo Bandaranaike Memorial Award of the XXV Diploma in Diplomacy & World Affairs programme shared her experience as a student at the BIDTI. She also made a presentation giving an overall idea to follow successfully the programme and its activities.
Participants from various backgrounds including undergraduates to post-graduate level from the Sri Lanka Administrative Service, Legal, Medical, Military, as well as Banks and Private sector have joined the XXX programme.
The Bandaranaike International Diplomatic Training Institute (BIDTI) in collaboration with the Centre for Law & Security Studies (CLASS) conducted a panel discussion on ‘Trump 2.0 – Impact on South Asia’ on Thursday 30th January 2025 at the Institute.
While Prof. Rohan Samarajiva Chair of Lirneasia, Ms. Subhashini Abeysinghe Research Director of Verité Research and Mr. Nilanthan Niruthan Executive Director of CLASS served as Panelists, introductory remarks was delivered by the former Executive Director of the United States – Sri Lanka Fulbright Commission Mr. Tissa Jayatilaka. A scholar Mr. Shakthi De silva served as the Moderator.
Delivering introductory remarks, Mr. Tissa Jayatilaka, who is a keen follower of the US politics, briefly described the history of the US administration analyzing the foreign policy of the US administration, especially on Trump administration policy towards the Asian region.
Panelists expressed views arguing the challenges faced by the region under the Trump administration. Prof. Samarajiva referred to the US economy since the great depression and the recession of 2008. He explained the realignment of likeminded states based on the national interest.
Ms. Abeysinghe focusing on tariffs, shed light on how countries in Asia especially China, Vietnam, Thailand, Bangladesh and India increased their quota while Sri Lanka failed to adapt. Further, she mentioned these countries would adjust themselves to meet impediments relevant to the new tariffs introduced by President Trump.
Referring to geopolitics and challenges relevant to each region, Mr. Niruthan explained that Trump administration might not have time to focus on the South Asia.
Upon completion of remarks of Panelists, the Moderator posed questions to them prior to opening the Q & A session.
A large number of participants including former Foreign Secretaries, Ambassadors, former Parliamentarians, Heads of Institutes, media personnel, service personnel, undergraduates and students attended the event.
Participants of the XXIXth Diploma in Diplomacy & World Affairs Programme of the BIDTI had an opportunity to display their skills in negotiations recently.
In the curriculum of the Diploma, participants are educated negotiating skills in bilateral as well as multilateral fora. In order to evaluate their skills the BIDTI conducts mockup sessions. Participants of XXIX Diploma programme exhibited their skills in bilateral negotiations on 7th January 2025 at the institute.
Approximately sixty participants divided into groups attended the exercise based on a case study to negotiate a text of a reciprocal visa agreement between two fictitious countries.
The 1st Module Examination on ‘Diplomatic Skills and Practice’ for the participants of the XXIXth Diploma Course was held on 1st December, 2024. Approximately 60 participants attended for the examination.
A team of officials accompanied by Col (GS) Dr. Laurent Currit, Head of Defence & Diplomacy of the Geneva Centre for Security Policy (GCSP) visited the BIDTI on 4th December, 2024 to discuss the 7th International Defence Attachés Programme to be held in Colombo in May 2025. The Defence Attaché Orientation Programme was introduced to Sri Lanka in 2016 and established in collaboration with the Office of Chief of Defence Staff and the BIDTI.
The GCSP is an International Foundation established in Switzerland dedicated to promote Peace, Security and Stability through education, research and dialogue.
Participants of the XXIXth Diploma in Diplomacy & World Affairs course of the Bandaranaike International Diplomatic Training Institute (BIDTI) showcased their skills in presenting events, ideas and themes at the Institute on 19th November 2024.
The presentation of skills is the first assignment participants required to fulfill during the diploma course. Participants of the XXIXth course completed this assignment by displaying abilities to convey massages through various medium viz., using narratives, video clips, artificial intelligence, media interviews, dramas etc.
The BIDTI organized a session on ‘Etiquette of hosting Dinners / Luncheons’ to participants of the XXIXth Diploma Course. Simulation exercise held on 21st October 2024 was conducted by the prominent etiquette trainer Mrs. Krishanti Weerakoon.
The Hon. Tharaka Balasuriya, State Minister of Foreign Affairs had an interaction with the newly recruited officers of the Sri Lanka Foreign Service on Tuesday 16th July 2024 at the Bandaranaike International Diplomatic Training Institute (BIDTI).
Upon hearing the self-introduction given by cadets, Minister expressed his pleasure as the new group consist of diverse backgrounds represent different parts of the country. Speaking of the responsibilities of the Sri Lanka Foreign Service he stressed the importance of performing their duties without any failure as the outcome of which finally reflects the country as a whole. Minister encouraged them to read as much as possible to become cognizant of every aspect possible and equipped with everything to perform well.
