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The XXIX Diploma Programme commenced at the BIDTI

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

     

BIDTI celebrates the memory of Ambassador Jayantha Dhanapala

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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 27th 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.

Skill Development in Conducting International Relations for the Administrative Staff of the Open University

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A two day Training Programme on ‘Skill Development in Conducting International Relations’ for the administrative staff of the Open University of Sri Lanka (OUSL) held on 9th and 10th May, 2024 at the Bandaranaike International Diplomatic Training Institute (BIDTI).

The Programme organised for the administrative staff of the Open University was attended by Registrar, Bursar, and a number of Assistant Registrars of the university. In June last year, the BIDTI also conducted a two day programme on ‘Diplomatic Skills for Academia’ which had been highly appreciated by participants comprising professors and senior lecturers not only from the OUSL but also from other universities. Thus, the demand for a similar Training programme for the administrative staff arose.

Simulation session on Negotiating a Multilateral Treaty

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Participants of the XXVIII Diploma in Diplomacy & World Affairs programme had an opportunity to negotiate a multilateral treaty on March 13, 2024, at the BIDTI.

                                    

Simulation session based on the draft text of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea allowed them to engage as delegates belonging to different political groups of the UN while safeguarding their own states interests. They demonstrated skills in navigating diverse perspectives  and managed building consensus among like-minded states in their respective groups.

         

          

         

 

Demonstration of bilateral negotiating skills

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Participants of the XXVIII Diploma in Diplomacy & World Affairs programme had an opportunity to demonstrate their skills in bilateral negotiation during the assessment held on 28th of February 2024 at the BIDTI.

       

At the evaluation session, six groups engaged in negotiations based on a case study eagerly tried to obtain maximum benefits for their course.

       

Participants of Diploma in Diplomacy & World Affairs course have the opportunity of learning negotiating skills use in bilateral as well as multilateral fora. Subsequently, their skills are evaluated at a simulation session.

‘The Gift of the Nile’ the last book of Dr Vernon Mendis launched

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The book based on the last manuscript of Deshamanya Dr Vernon L B Mendis was launched on Friday10th November 2023 at the Bandaranaike International Diplomatic Training Institute (BIDTI). It was a significant moment for the BIDTI as Dr Mendis had been the founding Director General of the Institute which was established in 1995 under the guidance of the Hon. Prime Minister Sirimavo R. D. Bandaranaike.
‘The Gift of the Nile’ was edited and published by Dr George I. H.  Cooke who had been guided and trained by Dr. Mendis. George, having learnt from the spouse of the author, Mrs. Paddy Mendis that the last manuscript of Dr. Vernon L.B. Mendis was available, determined to publish it as a gratitude to his guru.
Dr. Cooke presented the first copy of the book ‘The Gift of the Nile’ to Mrs. Paddy Mendis who was the Chief Guest of the event. A large gathering, including Chairperson of Sunera Foundation Ms. Sunethra Bandaranaike, colleagues of Dr. Mendis, former and present foreign Secretaries, civil society members, friends and members of the family of Dr. Mendis attended the event.

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South African High Commissioner speaks on challenges of Foreign Ministries in the 21st Century

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South African High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, His Excellency Sandile Schalk speaking at the Bandaranaike International Diplomatic Training Institute highlighted challenges before the Ministries of Foreign Affairs in the 21st Century. Delivering a speech on ‘The Role of Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the 21st Century” at the BIDTI on 3rd November 2023, he said that global issues were calling for a new economic order.

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High Commissioner Schalk emphasised the need of addressing the veto power of the United Nations Security Council, as it was no longer represent the existing global order. Further, with the advent of the multi polar world, a new global order is in the offing thus the world is in need of a moral leadership.

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He highlighted the challenging situation in the world and how Foreign Service officers should respond to those by dissecting and analyzing situations reported in the media.  High Commissioner Schalk expressed the importance of adopting to new trends as states cannot achieve multilaterally what had been lost bilaterally.
Referring to the South African Foreign Service, he said that Foreign Service Act governs the conduct and role of officers and they take the lead role in every negotiating event on behalf of the country.

Korean Ambassador Visits the BIDTI

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The Korean Ambassador to Sri Lanka Her Excellency Miyon Lee paid a visit to the BIDTI on Monday 18th September, 2023. Welcoming the Ambassador, the Director General appreciated her visit undertaken upon commencing Ambassodor’s assignment in Sri Lanka.
Referring to the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the BIDTI and the Korea National Diplomatic Academy (KNDA) on 15th March 2017, Director General reminisced the visit undertaken by H. E. Cho Byug-jae, Vice Foreign Minister and Chancellor of the Academy to the BIDTI on 31st October, 2017. She also mentioned the dynamic language training programmes conducted by the KNDA, for which Sri Lankan diplomats are given opportunities to learn the Korean language.
Ambassador Lee stated that Sri Lanka is important to Korea as it has undertaken a number of projects in the country. In view of the cordial relationship enjoyed between the two countries Korea wishes to further enhance economic collaboration for the mutual benefit.  Ambassador mentioned that she has already commenced meeting with key stake holders to discuss in this regard.

XXVIII Diploma course inception of the BIDTI

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Inauguration of the XXVIII Diploma in Diplomacy & World Affairs Programme was held on Wednesday, 2023 at the Bandaranaike International Diplomatic Training Institute (BIDTI).

Following a documentary depicting the activities of the BIDTI, the Director General of the BIDTI welcomed the participants. While briefing on the programme, she explained the importance of learning diplomacy and world affairs which would mould the personality of individuals.

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A former participant, Mr. Shamil Akbar, who was the recipient of the ‘Lorna Dewaraja Memorial Award’ shared his experience at the BIDTI with the participants. Praising the overall activities provided by the BIDTI during the programme, he encouraged participants to get maximum out of the programme by enjoying and sharing the experience of others and making a network of knowledge.

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Following refreshments, the lecture on ‘Introduction to Diplomacy’ was delivered by Dr. Geroge I. H. Cooke, Senior Lecturer of the University of Colombo, a former Foreign Service Officer, and the Initiator Awarelog Initiative.

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Ambassador Ajwad presented book on ‘Sri Lanka – Oman Relations: Past, Present and future’ to the BIDTI

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A book on Sri Lanka – Oman relations: Past, Present and Future authored by Ambassador Omar Lebbe Ameer Ajwad was presented to the library of the Bandaranaike International Diplomatic Training Institute (BIDTI) on 2nd August, 2023.

Ambassador Ajwad who served as Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to the Sultanate of Oman with concurrent accreditation to the Republic of Yemen released the book in Oman on the occasion of the 40th Anniversary of the diplomatic relations between the two countries.

In a foreword to the book, Omani foreign Minister His Excellency Badr Albusaidi has appreciated the service of the Ambassador Ajwad in connection with further strengthening the bilateral relations between Oman and Sri Lanka.