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Participants of the XXIX^th 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 19^th November 2024.

     

The presentation of skills is the first assignment participants required to fulfill during the diploma course. Participants of the XXIX^th 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 Hon. Tharaka Balasuriya, State Minister of Foreign Affairs had an interaction with the newly recruited officers of the Sri Lanka Foreign Service on Tuesday 16^th 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.

   

The 25^th Convocation of the Bandaranaike International Diplomatic Training Institute (BIDTI) was held on 10^th 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 8^th Post graduate programme and the XXIV^th, XXV^th and XXVI^th Diploma programmes of the BIDTI.

The XXIX Diploma in Diplomacy & World Affairs Programme of the Bandaranaike International Diplomatic Training Institute (BIDTI) was inaugurated on Monday, 5^th August, 2024 at the Institute.

   

The Director General of the BIDTI welcomed the participants and gave a brief introduction of the Institute. She highlighted the importance of the diploma course, as it would help participants to understand global issues and challenges as well as prepare them to interact with the international community confidently.

   

Addl. Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Yasoja Gunasekera, who was the Chief Guest delivered the speech on ‘Introduction to Diplomacy’ giving participants comprehensive background on the evolution of ‘Diplomacy’.

   

Ms. Sithmi Edirisinghe, who was a joint recipient of the Sirimavo Bandaranaike Memorial Award of the XX^th diploma programme shared her experience at the BIDTI as a participant of the Diploma Programme. She encouraged participants to use the opportunity of networking with colleagues coming from various professions and backgrounds and enjoy activities of the programme.

     

On the occasion of passing of Ambassador Jayantha Dhanapala, a distinguished diplomat who brought fame to Sri Lanka, the Bandaranaike International Diplomatic Training Institute (BIDTI) organized a special event on 27^th May 2024 to celebrate his memory.

    

To mark the first anniversary of his passing, Ambassador H. M. G. S. Palihakkara, the former Secretary Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the former Governor of the Northern Province delivered the lecture on ‘Multilateralism in the Context of Current Challenges’.  He mentioned that Ambassador Dhanapala as a multilateralist who mingled with kings, global leaders, statesmen and policymakers throughout his professional life never lost the common touch as it was his nature to welcome people from all walks of life. Further, he emphasised that Ambassador Dhanapala was an outstanding practitioner and promoter of multilateral solutions to global issues especially in peace and security. As a firm believer of international cooperation, he saw it as a means of advancing solutions to common problem of humanity.

   

   

Prior to the memorial lecture, Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Aruni Wijewardane spoke recollecting acquaintances she had with Ambassador Jayantha Dhanapala in her professional career.

   

Dr. Kiran, the daughter of Ambassador Dhanapala, appreciated the presence of all guests comprising of former Secretaries, Ambassadors, academia, officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, media and friends who associated to celebrate the life of her father.