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The 23rd Convocation of the Bandaranaike International Diplomatic Training Institute was held on 13th August 2019 conferring Diplomas and Post Graduate Diplomas in Diplomacy and World Affairs with the presence of the Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe gracing the event as the Chief Guest.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chairman of the Board Management of the BIDTI, Tilak Marapana and the Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Ravinatha Aryasinhe joined the Prime Minister in the ceremony held at the BMICH. Alongside a distinguished gathering comprised of diplomatic corps, members of International organisations and visiting lecturers. Some of which have contributed to imparting their invaluable knowledge and experience to the students during their course of study.

Delivering the inaugural speech Minister Marapana congratulated all the awardees and acknowledged that courses offered at the BIDTI offer invaluable skills and knowledge crucial for engagement worldwide. He expressed his gratitude to all the lecturers including professionals, academics, and military personnel for their efforts as well to foreign institutions for collaborating with the BIDTI in conducting training programmes.

Prime Minister Wickremesinghe in his keynote address commended the BIDTI for its tireless efforts in enhancing public understanding of global affairs. He also envisioned Sri Lanka’s role in the international arena in the future, where Sri Lanka must leverage its position in the Indian Ocean and look beyond its coastline. Further, enhancing global trade by ensuring freedom of navigation in the Indian Ocean. He emphasised that Si Lanka should become a key participant in the Blue economy. The Prime Minister stressed the importance of cultural and economic cooperation with all States in order for Sri Lanka to achieve its optimum goals.

Prime Minister along with the Minister and Secretary presented awards and certificates to the prospective recipients of the Diploma and Post Graduate Diploma courses of the academic year 2018/2019.

The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by the recipients of the Sirimavo Bandaranaike Memorial Prize Maharage Isuru Anushka Perera and the Vernon Mendis Memorial Prize Kushendri Edirisinghe. The awardees evoked a positive learning experience at the BIDTI. From being exposed to a diverse student body to receiving knowledge from highly experienced personnel, resulted in their learning experience at the BIDTI to be an interactive, multifaceted one that enhanced their passion for diplomacy and global affairs.

The BIDTI congratulates all awardees of 2018/2019 and wishes them all the success in their future endeavours!

“Our foreign policy led us to enhance the importance of the Indian Ocean Globally… We should leverage our position in the Indian Ocean to ensure that Sri Lanka would get the maximum benefit”, these remarks were made by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe who was the keynote speaker at the 23rd Convocation of the Bandaranaike International Diplomatic Training Institute (BIDTI) held on 13th August 2019.

Highlighting the geopolitics of the Indian Ocean Prime Minister identified how Sri Lanka could benefit economically. As Sri Lanka marches forward into a more globalized world, the country will be prone to more challenges. As it is moving past a Civil war era, the country needs to formulate a foreign policy focused on its long term goals

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Referring to Sri Lanka Foreign relations, the Prime Minister mentioned that we must look beyond our coastline and aim to be one of the main parties in the blue economy and promote freedom of navigation in the Indian Ocean. Therefore, holding no military alliances with any State but enhancing cultural and economic cooperation with all States. He also emphasised the dangers of the effects of climate change and the need for Sri Lanka to use its resources particularly the Navy and Air Force to protect the Indian Ocean while safeguarding the national security.

He stressed the fact that the Indian Ocean has become more prominent in global affairs as Asia has become the epicenter for world economic and military activity. Hence, Sri Lanka lies in an advantageous position having the potential to become a hub of economic activity working alongside China and India. These two countries are forecasted to be the largest contributors to the world economy in a few years.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The prime minister commended the BIDTI for its significant contribution in enhancing public understanding of global affairs and mentioned that there was an increased contribution by public in the media addressing social, political and economic affairs of the country which affects us all.

 

Ambassador of Federal Republic of Germany Jörn Rhode speaking about its non-permanent membership of the UN Security Council for 2019 /2020 mentioned that Germany’s foreign relations is comprised of “Soft power and hard money, that helps to make soft power successful.” He emphasised that Germany is a middle power which firmly follows multilateralism and a rules based order. Hence Germany aims to make the best use of its membership in the Security Council and “increase influence in Foreign policy decision making”. He made these remarks delivering a special guest lecture on 19th August 2019 at the BIDTI.

The Ambassador added that Germany has keen interest in bringing up thematic areas of ‘Women, Peace and Security’, ‘application of International Humanitarian Law’, ‘Nuclear Disarmament’ as well as ‘Climate Change’ which is a potential threat to us all.

He also stressed the need for reform in the UNSC, and that it is an issue that is yet to be resolved. “We want reform to preserve authority and legitimacy ……to appropriate representation to ensure that the global south is more represented”. “We want to adopt a council to the realities of the 21st century…The Security Council does not represent the current geopolitical realities.”

Germany, with membership in the UN for over two decades is now the fourth largest contributor to the UN, the second largest donor to development and assistance and a significant contributor to the UN Peacekeeping missions. yet it is not represented. The Ambassador concluded stating that Germany is very committed to its SC membership, and have allocated more resources to increase their influence in foreign policy decision making.

Foreign minister of Germany Heiko Maas speaking on the 1st January upon gaining their membership of the UNSC stated that “The Security Council is the most important organ of the United Nations for guaranteeing peace and security worldwide. Germany is taking up a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the sixth time – but the expectations placed in us have never been higher. We are well prepared and keen to take on this challenge.”

The UN Resident Representative Hanaa Singer states that the beauty of the UN lies in working on the ground for the community level and the satisfaction gained from working for people was unimaginable.

Addressing the Diploma participants at the BIDTI, Hanaa Singer mentioned that due to the influence of 4th industrial revolution, global challenges have changed thus practices too. Participants had the privilege to witness the reform agenda of the UN which includes repositioning the UN development system, restructuring the peace and security architecture, reorganizing of the management system and structure and ensuring these plans match the new global challenges together with solutions such as the sustainable development framework. Hanaa grabbed the audience with a game that kept everyone engaged during the talk about Roles and Functions of the United Nations.

An expert exchange on Humanitarian Diplomacy for representatives of the Foreign Service Training Institutions of South Asia was co-hosted by the BIDTI and the ICRC on 31st July 2019.

Representatives of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Iran, Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka discussed ways and means of promoting Humanitarian Diplomacy and International Humanitarian Law.

 

The Bandaranaike International Diplomatic Training Institute commenced the English Language proficiency development course for the Technical level officers of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

This program, held for the second time at the BIDTI, enables MFA officers to develop a firm grasp of the English  Language.

Delivering an introductory lecture on ‘Research Study’ Professor Nayani Melegoda, the Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies, reflected on the core elements of a Research Proposal. She also discussed the core theories of International Relations, the criteria for selecting a Research Topic as well as how students should develop Research Questions and Problems.

In her presentation, Professor Melegoda discussed pertinent areas of Research and stimulated great interest to explore the entire expanse of current affairs. Paying particular attention on how a Literature Review should be developed, Professor Melegoda also advised students on the importance of paying adequate attention to accurately reference academic material.

Wrapping up her presentation, Professor Melegoda noted the diverse Research Methodologies applied by scholars and the importance of utilizing a suitable methodology for their Dissertation.

The 6th Postgraduate Diploma in Diplomacy and World Affairs Course inauguration took place on the 14th of June 2019. The course is conducted at the BIDTI in collaboration with the University of Colombo. The Course is open for those who have successfully completed the Diploma in Diplomacy and World Affairs course and possess a degree from a University recognized by the University Grant Commission.

Through this course, participants are able to gain a firm grounding on topics such as research ethics, methodologies and methods which will enable them to develop a comprehensive research on a topic related to international relations.

The Indian High Commissioner Taranjit Singh Sandhu indicated that the Indian Prime Minister during his scheduled trip to Sri Lanka this weekend, “will carry the message of solidarity and hope from the people of India to the people of Sri Lanka. This will be his [Prime Minister Modi’s] first foreign tour in his second term and he will be the first head of Government to visit Sri Lanka after the Easter attacks. It is a symbol of our solidarity with Sri Lanka.”

 

In his Keynote address at the inauguration of the 21st Diploma Course in Diplomacy and World Affairs, the High Commissioner threaded through topics as diverse as India’s foreign policy and the need to effectively and collectively address terrorism in the region. The High Commissioner indicated that the “core aim of India’s foreign policy is to ensure safety and security of its 1.3 billion people and meet their genuine developmental aspirations.” He also emphasized that the pursuit of development and peace must be reached through collaboration with other countries. In his words: “India has always believed in sharing its developmental successes. This is because India has always believed that the whole world is one family.”

Referring to the Easter terror attacks in Sri Lanka, High Commissioner Sandhu stressed that complex challenges such as terrorism must be addressed through “collective action.” Distinguishing between Islam and the Jihadi ideology which played a part in the Easter attacks, the High Commissioner stated “This Jihadi ideology is against Islam. Islam in Arabic literally means peace. This divisive ideology is a threat to Sri Lanka; it is a threat to India; it is a threat to regional security and global peace…. We have to strive together to ensure that such heinous crimes are never repeated.”

Delivering the inaugural address, Ambassador Damayanthi Rajapakse, the Director General of the East Asia, South East Asia and Oceania division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs representing the Secretary of the Foreign Ministry, stressed on the impact made by Sri Lanka’s geographic centrality on the island’s foreign policy. She added that Sri Lanka’s unique position between the East Africa and East Asia brings both challenges and opportunities and that it “is up to policymakers and diplomats to make best use of this.” She went on to describe the BIDTI as “a platform that brings together diplomats, practitioners, scholars and students from Sri Lanka and across the world to explore global challenges and evolving demands of diplomatic statecraft, [as well as] to better understand the nexus of theory and practice and to enhance and appreciate the role of diplomacy as a critical element in national policy formulation and implementation.”

 

 

Given below is the High Commissioner’s Keynote address:

Ambassador Pamela Deen, Director General, Bandaranaike International Diplomatic Training Institute,

Mrs. Damayanthi Rajapakse, DG East Asia, South Asia and Oceania Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka

Former Ambassadors, Secretaries,

Faculty Members,

Dear Students,

I am happy to be here today at the Bandaranaike International Diplomatic Training Institute for the inauguration of 21st Diploma Course in Diplomacy & World Affairs. I have been meaning to be here for a while now; however, it had to be postponed couple of times. Director General Pamela Deen has been a longstanding friend. I congratulate Ms. Deen on her active role in taking BIDTI forward.

You are today starting the 21st Diploma Course in Diplomacy and World Affairs. I am confident that it would equip you to appreciate the 21st century challenges in International Affairs.

This is my first public function in Sri Lanka, after our new Government has taken over in India. As you are aware, President of Sri Lanka attended the Swearing in Ceremony last week along with other world leaders. It is a proud moment for humanity who believe in the strength of democracy; people of India chose PM Modi making him not only the leader of largest democracy in the world, but also a leader with the largest popular mandate in the world.

The decisive mandate for PM Modi is a reflection of support for continuation of the Government’s policies, and has led to a stable Government. India-Sri Lanka relations have seen landmark changes in the last five years, with PM Modi’s 2 visits to the island, and substantial strengthening of economic pillar of the relationship. The continuation and further strengthening of these policies is also in Sri Lanka’s interest.

I am glad that today’s inaugural function also provides an opportunity for me to interact with the youth in Sri Lanka. India and Sri Lanka are ancient civilizations, but nations of youth. I have always believed in the power of youth; the power to think out of the box; the power to innovate; and the power to look into the future rather than the past. In you, I see hope and freedom; In you, I see confidence and resilience; in you, I see a better tomorrow.

Today, I would briefly touch upon India’s foreign policy with special emphasis on national security. I would also briefly speak about India-Sri Lanka relations.

What is the primary objective of India’s foreign policy? In other words, what are we trying to achieve through our engagement with other countries? The core aim of India’s foreign policy is to ensure safety and security of its 1.3 billion people and meet their genuine developmental aspirations. As Prime Minister Modi has said, we seek a future for Indian Ocean that lives up to the name of SAGAR- Security and Growth for All in the Region.

Some of you may think that foreign policy in pursuit of national interest is a narrow concept. While pursuing our objectives, I would like to point out that we are not governed by self-interest alone. We want others to win, when we win. Growing together has been the basic essence of our foreign policy. India has always believed in sharing its developmental successes. This is because India has always believed that the whole world is one family. We call it, Vasudaiva Kudumbakam.

How do you ensure safety and security of your citizens and take your country forward on its development path? It is a live question today in Sri Lanka, after the dastardly terrorist attacks in April that killed hundreds of innocent people. It is a question which world leaders are trying to grapple with, almost every day.

First and foremost, we must understand that we cannot remain peaceful, secure and prosperous, if the region and world at large were to be in turmoil. It is a highly interconnected world today. It is in our individual and collective interest to maintain world peace and collective stability. You cannot banish other’s misery as his or her own problem; it is as much as yours as his or hers. In Indian Vedic philosophy, we call it, ‘the reality of cosmic unity’.

There was a time when the rulers guarded physical borders. Even now we do it. What has changed now is that, these physical border security measures are not enough. Internet and cyberspace have revolutionized the way we think and act. While digital age, technology and social media have brought humanity together, it has also become a potential weapon for spread of aggression and intolerance. Irrespective of the actual location of individuals, ideas and ideologies travel beyond borders, on a real time basis. Terrorism and Extremism are complex challenges. Collective threats and challenges demand collective action.

The recent attacks in Sri Lanka, is not just against Sri Lanka. Terrorism anywhere in the world attacks the conscience of whole humanity; it attacks the human spirit that we are one. We know your pain and agony. India has experienced it herself.

You must understand that there are forces within the region and in the world at large, who have been working to propagate hate and violence; propagate the Jihadi ideology. This Jihadi ideology is against Islam. Islam in Arabic literally means peace. This divisive ideology is a threat to Sri Lanka; it is a threat to India; it is a threat to regional security and global peace.

We cannot talk about the danger of snakes and walk over the pits, and expect them not to bite us. We need to walk the talk. We need to identify the snake-pits and isolate them. We need to find out who nurtures these snake-pits, and close those channels.

We have to strive together to ensure that such heinous crimes are never repeated. We need to clearly understand what happened, for which we require focussed action. Any attempt to divert attention from the core issue will only be self-defeatist.

Counter-terrorism and countering violent extremism and radicalism are of equal importance. “Since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that defenses of peace must be constructed”, says the preamble to the Constitution of UNESCO. The most important tool available for us is education. Education is not just about what is taught in class-rooms. Education is about what you read, books and digital; who your friends are; what your families and communities teach you. Love and tolerance are virtues which can be nurtured only in the waters of togetherness. Alienation, compartmentalization and hierarchy of identities provide fertile soil to breed hate and violence.

For India, pluralism and diversity call for celebration and not confrontation. India is not only world’s largest democracy but also world’s most intricately pluralistic society. India has been able to preserve this rich mosaic of pluralism under democratic structures. We firmly believe in taking everyone along in our journey towards development. Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, which means Solidarity with everyone, development for all.

India is Sri Lanka’s closest neighbour. We are both ancient civilizations; pluralistic societies; most importantly democracies. We share similar aspirations and face common challenges. Countries, like individuals, need to look ahead. The first day of PM Modi in office after the swearing in ceremony was dedicated to meeting the leaders from the neighbourhood and extended neighbourhood. It is a reflection of the importance that we attach to the special relations with our neighbours.

Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to visit Sri Lanka this weekend. PM Modi will be the first foreign leader to visit Sri Lanka after the Easter attacks. He will carry the message of solidarity and hope from people of India to the people of Sri Lanka.

Our relationship with Sri Lanka is without any caveats and riders. It is open and genuine. India is not interested in capturing Sri Lanka’s assets, resources or markets. We are only interested in seeing a united, peaceful, strong, sovereign and prosperous Sri Lanka. Our future will be shaped by what we do today, how quickly we do it and how strongly we feel for it. There is no space for ambivalence or complacence. India stands with you in the hour of need.

Sri Lanka may now have friends who show Sri Lanka great dreams, or encourage Sri Lanka to see things through their lens. But, if there is one friend that Sri Lanka has, who has given information when it mattered the most; who was the first to send ships with men and material when floods hit Sri Lanka; who have offered development assistance for several people-oriented projects as per Sri Lanka’s own priorities; and some of them spread island-wide; who stood with Sri Lanka in rain and in shine; my young friends, have no doubt, it is India.

There is also a narrative which we increasingly hear that India is trying to balance the influence of a third country in Sri Lanka. Out actions speak for themselves. Our relations with Sri Lanka stand on its own and are not dependent on our relations or Sri Lanka’s relations with any third country.

Your decisions today, my friends, should not be coloured by what others say, or by analyses of the past where we no longer live, but must be based on Sri Lanka’s own interests and your vision of how you wish to see Sri Lanka in the decades ahead. We will continue to be with you, come what may.

As Lord Buddha said, “No one saves us but ourselves. No one can and no one may. We ourselves must walk the path.”

Thank You…

The BIDTI inaugurated the 20^th Diploma Course in Diploma in Diplomacy & World Affairs on 5^th March 2019 with the presence of over hundred participants who enrolled for the course.

Delivering the inaugural address by the Director General (Policy & Research) Sashikala Premawardene representing Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs mentioned that Sri Lanka’s involvement in the conduct of foreign relations goes back to ancient times citing dispatching of envoys during the Anuradhapura Kingdom. Referring to the post-independence period she highlighted role Sri Lanka played in the United Nations Convention on Law of the sea and the UNCTAD. Further, she explained the present engagement of making Sri Lanka as the hub of the Indian Ocean, emphasized the need of a White Paper on the foreign policy and challenging task of creating it.

The Canadian High Commissioner David McKinnon delivered the keynote speech highlighted the Canadian Foreign Policy and its achievement based on principles of human rights and democratic norms. He also referred to the longstanding friendly relations Canada enjoys with Sri Lanka over a half century.

Delivering the vote of thanks Ravindra Lekamwasam explained the impact and advantage of the course he experienced as a medical student.

Foreign Minister Tilak Marapana said that the prime duty of Sri Lankan Defence Attachés assigned to Sri Lanka Missions overseas is to serve the country and its people and that they should be mindful of the fact that they are ‘there to serve and not to be served’.

Foreign Minister Marapana made these remarks attending as the chief guest of the certificate awarding ceremony of the Intensive Training Programme for military officers who would be assigned as Defence Attachés/ Advisors in Sri Lanka Missions overseas, organized by the Bandaranaike International Diplomatic Training Institute (BIDTI), the training arm of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The certificate awarding ceremony was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday (08 March). The participating military officers received their certificates from Foreign Minister Tilak Marapana upon successful completion of the training programme.

The Intensive Training Programme, which was conducted at the BIDTI from 18 February to 07 March 2019, was attended by thirty (30) officers from the Sri Lanka Army, Sri Lanka Air Force and the Sri Lanka Navy, who would be assigned as Defence Attachés/ Advisors in Sri Lanka Missions overseas in the near future.

This was the first time that the BIDTI conducted a Training Programme for prospective Defence Attachés/ Advisors of Sri Lanka.

Delivering the keynote address of the ceremony, Foreign Minister Tilak Marapana further said that although these officers receive a comprehensive training in their relevant field, when serving abroad as Defence Attachés they are exposed to a new climate of work. In this context, the Minister observed, that training programmes of this nature would equip them with the broad spectrum of knowledge that is required to carry out their diplomatic assignments. The Minister further said that they should not forget the most important element of their work – that is to serve the people of Sri Lanka.

Addressing the ceremony, Foreign Secretary Ravinatha Aryasinha paid tribute to the defence services and the Defence Attachés who served during the conflict and the immediate aftermath of the conflict. He recalled with appreciation the tremendous support and leverage that the diplomatic agents received from Defence Attachés in their battle against the LTTE in international fronts. Referring to the rising extremism in the international arena and the importance of defence cooperation in curbing it, he requested the prospective Defence Attachés to help the international community to deal with the menace of terrorism with the benefit of their lived experience of fighting one the world’s most ruthless terrorist organizations.

Director General of the BIDTI Ambassador Pamela J. Deen welcomed the invitees and participants, and stated that the BIDTI was pleased to conduct this programme on behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Commodore A.B. Dhanapala of the Sri Lanka Navy, on behalf of the participants, delivered the vote of thanks.

This Intensive Training Programme, which aimed at helping participants understand the nature and scope of their diplomatic assignments overseas, dealt with a range of topics that are relevant to their line of work.

The programme included lectures on theoretical as well as practical aspects of diplomacy, covering a wide range of topics including the history of Sri Lanka’s diplomatic relations, foreign policy of Sri Lanka since independence, bilateral and multilateral diplomacy, cultural diplomacy, media relations, human rights, protocol and the role of a Defence Attaché in a Sri Lanka Mission overseas.

Chief of Defence Staff Admiral Ravindra Wijegunaratne, Navy Commander Vice Admiral Piyal De Silva, members of the Colombo-based diplomatic corps including several Ambassadors, representatives of the Army and Air Force commanders, and senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs attended the certificate awarding ceremony.