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 23rd 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 6th and 7th 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 30th 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.
A Special Guest Lecture was conducted at the BIDTI on 26th May, 2023 by Prof. Bérénice Guyot-Réchard of King’s College London exclusively for participants of the BIDTI programmes.
Prof. Guyot-Réchard is the author of the critically acclaimed ‘Shadow States: India, China and the Himalayas, 1910-62’. A specialist of modern South Asia and the Indian Ocean, Prof. Guyot-Réchard holds an associate professorship in contemporary international history at King’s College London. Her award-winning work focuses on the long-term impact of decolonization, particularly in terms of international politics. She has written extensively on the strategic borderlands between India, China and Burma.
During her presentation, Prof. Guyot-Réchard revealed how the political tensions between two nations that took place from 1949 – 1962 who are striving for development have been exacerbated by geography and how sharing a border has increased their rivalry. Professor paid special significance to the friction in the Eastern Himalayan borderlands to which both nations lay claim. She explained the competition between the two nations to win over hearts and minds of the people in the border areas.
The Independence Print Exhibition was held at the BIDTI on the 19th of May 2023. The exhibition was based on a selection of newspapers from the L. S. W. Pathirathne Collection curated by Dr. George I. H. Cooke, Initiator of Awarelogue Initiative.
The Director General of the BIDTI, Ambassador Pamela J. Deen, speaking at the event, stated that the BIDTI was pleased to host the exhibition for two reasons. She said that as an academic institute, it is the responsibility of the BIDTI to create awareness on new knowledge that comes into light. And also, the special relationship the BIDTI has with Dr. Cooke, who is a prominent alumnus and a notable resource person.
Dr. Cooke spoke of why it was important to explore events such as those found in the collection, especially at a time after 75 years, Sri Lanka gained its Independence. He said that it was a despair that the true spirit of independence has been overshadowed by the promotion of sensitive and controversial topics rather than knowledge and truth.
Dr. Cooke also showed great appreciation towards Mr. Pathirathne and his family who gifted him the collection. He mentioned that Mr. Pathirathne’s great thirst for knowledge and more importantly his desire for its preservation paved the way for the exhibition.
The newspapers which were presented shed light on different aspects of independence including how the first Independence was celebrated, what other global events took place at the time and reaction of prominent characters during Sri Lanka’s Independence.
The awe-inspiring collection was studied and admired by all visitors who left with a sense of appreciation for the event.
With the arrival of the New Year, the BIDTI welcomed a new batch of participants on the 17th of April 2023, who joined the XXVIIth Diploma in Diplomacy &World Affairs Course.
Following a documentary depicting the activities of the BIDTI, the Director General Ambassador Pamela J. Deen spoke about the course and the opportunities it can offer. She explained what the participants could expect from following the course and the real- world benefits of being part of the programme.
Former participant of the programme and the recipient of the Sirimavo Bandaranaike award of the XXIInd Diploma in Diplomacy & World Affairs Course, Ms. Lihini Boteju then spoke of her own experience of following the programme. She offered words of encouragement to participants to face this new chapter in their lives with interest, curiosity and ingenuity.
Following refreshments and mingling, the inaugural lecture on ‘An Introduction to Diplomacy’ commenced. It was delivered by Dr. George Cooke who is a former Foreign Service Officer, Diplomatic Historian and Strategist and a renowned, author and editor. Dr. Cooke’s lecture acquainted the participants with the world of Diplomacy including all it compasses, its effects and the origins of modern diplomacy in Sri Lanka.
Counsellor Alfonso Herrero Corral of the Embassy of Spain accredited to Sri Lanka from New Delhi met with the Director General Pamela J. Deen on the 30th of March 2023 at the BIDTI. Counsellor Corral is on a fact finding mission to promote the presence of Spain and its culture in Sri Lanka.
He met with the Director General to discuss possible collaboration between diplomatic institutes of the two countries. Welcoming the idea, the Director General briefed him of the origin as well as the activities of the BIDTI. She also suggested Spanish authorities to consider conducting a specialized Spanish language training programme for the Officers of the Sri Lanka Foreign Service.
