24th Convocation of the BIDTI
News
Seminar on IHL and Humanitarian Diplomacy
A two day seminar on International Humanitarian Law (IHL) & Humanitarian Diplomacy jointly organized by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the Bandaranaike International Diplomatic Training Institute (BIDTI) for officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs held on 17th and 18th September, 2022 at the Mövenpick Hotel in Colombo.
Welcoming the participants the Director General Pamela J Deen appreciated the attendance of the senior officials of the Ministry irrespective of the long weekend. She also extended a warm welcome to the Chair of the National IHL Committee of Sri Lanka and the Deputy Legal Advisor Thilani Silva who was representing Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Further, she extended a warm welcome to the new Head of the ICRC delegation in Sri Lanka Severine Chappaz and the Regional Legal Advisor for South Asia George Dvaladze who especially arrived in Sri Lanka for the event.
Director General elaborated the longstanding relationship the BIDTI has with the ICRC and efforts undertaken to educate IHL and Humanitarian Diplomacy in its programmes. Further, she gave details of the four webinars relevant to new technologies and challenges to IHL, jointly organized during the Covid 19 pandemic. In this background, she said that it was envisaged to promote the excellent cooperation enjoyed between the two institutes.
Head of the ICRC delegation in Sri Lanka Severine Chappaz appreciated the cooperation extended by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in organising the seminar soon after her assumption of duties in Sri Lanka. Elaborating the role of the ICRC in attending to humanitarian needs, she mentioned of her intention to work closely with all stakeholders in this regard.
Chair of the National IHL Committee of Sri Lanka and the Deputy Legal Adviser of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Thilanie Silva delivering the opening remarks on behalf of the Secretary of the Ministry, highlighted the importance of learning IHL with the evolution of the technology and also the increased complexity of the cyber warfare.
An introduction to ICRC activities in Sri Lanka presented by the Networking Adviser of the ICRC Sylvester Worthington said that the main idea of the IHL was to protect humanity.
It was encouraging to note the robust interaction participants had with the resource persons demonstrating the importance of the seminar for their profession.
The event concluded with awarding certificates to participants attended.
Maldivian Actg. High Commissioner meets Director General
The Actg. High Commissioner for the Republic of Maldives, Abdul Ghafoor Mohamed met with the Director General of the Bandaranaike International Diplomatic Training Institute (BIDTI) on
8th September 2022.
During the meeting, the Actg. High commissioner briefed her on the establishment of the Diplomatic Training Institute in Maldives and its activities. While its main objective is to train the Maldivian diplomats they also provide training facilities for other Ministries on demand. He also mentioned that the Institute has already undertaken short term training programmes for the SAARC countries. Further, he suggested to establish framework to collaborate with the BIDTI.
While briefing on the activities of the BIDTI, Director General informed him the proposal to link with the Maldivian diplomatic academy will be brought to the attention of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Actg. High Commissioner Gafoor previously served as the Secretary to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Maldives. He is planning to leave for Washington to assume duties as the Maldivian envoy to the USA.
Director General appreciated the opportunity to meet with the Actg. High Commissioner Gafoor and also conveyed best wishes for his new assignment in Washington.
Commencement of the 8th Post Graduate Diploma
The 8th Post Graduate Diploma in Diplomacy & World Affairs Course of the BIDTI commenced on Friday 24th June 2022. In view of the travel difficulties imposed by the current fuel shortage, the Course commenced virtually.
Addressing the gathering, Director General Amb. Pamela J. Deen stated that joining the course, participants have taken a step towards an academic journey which will open new vistas for them.
The inaugural lecture was delivered by Head of Department of International Relations of the University of Colombo, Professor Chaminda Padmakumara focussing on ‘Research in International Relations’. Professor Padmakumara has been actively involved in academic activities of the BIDTI in both the Diploma and Post Graduate Diploma programmes.
The Post Graduate Diploma Course is conducted in collaboration with the Department of International Relations of the University of Colombo.
The XXVIth Diploma in Diplomacy and World Affairs Course commenced
The XXVIth Diploma in Diplomacy and World Affairs course was inaugurated on Wednesday 15th June, 2022 at the BIDTI. Amidst a series of virtual sessions continuing for the XXIV and the XXV Diploma courses, the inaugural session for the XXVIth Diploma course was held physically with the presence of approximately 40 participants, whilst simultaneously connecting virtually others taking part from remote areas.
Upon viewing a documentary of the institute, Director General, Amb. Pamela J. Deen addressed participants giving an insight of the course and how best participants could take advantage of it.
The session was followed by lecture on ‘the Introduction to Diplomacy’ delivered by Dr. George I. H. Cooke, a Diplomatic Historian and Strategist as well as initiator of the Awarelogue Initiative.
An Alumus of the BIDTI, Dr. Cooke took this occasion to present a copy of his latest publication ’Buddhist Diplomacy: Sri Lanka Thailand Relations’ to the library of the BIDTI.
South African High Commissioner meets Director General
The High Commissioner of the Republic of South Africa to Sri Lanka,
His Excellency S. E. Schalk met with the Director General Amb. Pamela J Deen on 7th June 2022.
Upon congratulating the newly appointed High Commissioner, Director General provided insight with regard to the academic activities of the BIDTI. Discussions were focused on following up decisions of the Sri Lanka – South Africa Partnership Forum and cooperation between the diplomatic training institutes of both countries.
High Commissioner briefed on activities undertaken by him upon joining the South African diplomatic service. His involvement in the work of transforming the Organisation of the African Union (OAU) into the African Union (AU). He also played an active role in establishing commissions and in resolving disputes of countries in Africa. Prior to joining the South African Diplomatic Service, High Commissioner Schalk had been in academia as Professor in Political Science, International Relations and African Political Economy. He was also involved in teaching at the Diplomatic Academy of South Africa prior to arriving in Sri Lanka.
Director General assured cooperation of the BIDTI in connecting two diplomatic institutes, in order to achieve goals, set by the partnership forum. She also extended best wishes to the High Commissioner for a successful and pleasant assignment during his stay in Sri Lanka.
High Commissioner was accompanied by Third Secretary (Political) of the South African High Commission, Ms. Zanethemba Tshangela to the meeting.
Bilateral & Multilateral negotiations at the BIDTI
The BIDTI assessed the Bilateral and Multilateral negotiations performed by participants of the XXIVth Diploma in Diplomacy & World Affairs on 20th January and 1st February 2022 respectively.
Introduced to the Diploma course a year ago, these simulation exercises enable participants to experience proceedings conducted in Bilaterally as well as in Multilateral fora. Those assignments also equip participants to develop leadership skills.
Bangladesh Cadets interact with the BIDTI
An eighteen-member delegation from the Foreign Service Academy of Bangladesh met with the Director General of the BIDTI on Friday 21st January 2022. Sixteen cadets who joined the Foreign Service Academy last year were led by officials of the Academy Director Farhana Ahmed Chowdhhury and Assistant Secretary Dattasree Rajib Kumar. The Acting High Commissioner of Bangladesh in Sri Lanka Md. Reyad Hossain accompanied the delegation to the interactive session.
Welcoming the delegation to Sri Lanka as well as to the BIDTI, Amb. Pamela J. Deen congratulated the cadets in joining the Diplomatic Service which is one of the oldest professions in the world. She emphasised the importance of building relationships with their counterparts, which would benefit their respective countries enhancing closer cooperation between nations.
Furthermore, elaborating on the friendly relations enjoyed between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, Amb. Deen reminisced close cooperation Sri Lankan diplomats had with their Bangladeshi colleagues. Further, she briefed on interactions the BIDTI had with diplomats of Bangladesh attending Technical Cooperation Programmes organised since 2000 by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
She also congratulated them on the Golden Jubilee of the Independence of Bangladesh, and acknowledged the impressive economic growth of the country.
The BIDTI resumes academic activities in physical setting
With the dawn of year 2022, the BIDTI resumed academic activities with the physical attendance of participants. It would allow participants to get the maximum benefit through interacting with resource persons and fellow peers, thus enhancing the benefit of the course.
Accordingly, activities in physical settings commenced with the lecture on Global Health Diplomacy on 4th January conducted by Dr. Sapumal Dhanapala, National Programme Officer of the World Health Organisation (WHO) in Sri Lanka. Followed by lectures on ‘Facing Media Interviews’ conducted by Ms. Savithri Rodrigo, a leading media personality, on ‘Climate Diplomacy’ by Dr. L. Batuwitage, Consultant in Sustainable Development and the ‘History of Defence Services of Sri Lanka’ by the former Army Commander, General C.S.Weerasooriya.
The Diploma Course gives an opportunity to acquire a variety of skills and knowledge disseminated by experts/professionals in their respective fields.
Every year the BIDTI adds new topics of importance to the curriculum of the Diploma course to create awareness of global issues for its participants.
XXV Diploma in Diplomacy & World Affairs Course Inaugurated
The XXV Diploma in Diplomacy & World Affairs Course of the Bandaranaike International Diplomatic Training Institute (BIDTI) was inaugurated on Monday 6th December 2021 virtually.
The session commenced with a presentation of a documentary on the Institute, followed by an introduction to the course by the Director General Amb. Pamela J Deen. Welcoming the participants, she explained the benefits of the course and how it could help them to obtain skills and knowledge to face global challenges.
The first lecture of the course ‘Introduction to Diplomacy’ was delivered by Diplomatic Historian & Strategist Dr. George. I. H. Cooke who was an alumnus of the BIDTI.
Through the Diploma Course, the BIDTI aims to offer diplomatic skills and knowledge on conducting international relations to the general public who wish to gain knowledge on interacting with the global community. Throughout the years, the enrolment for the Course has risen significantly, with participants who have followed the course moving on to gain opportunities and take up notable leadership roles in the society.