Seventh Annual Diploma Course in World Affairs and Professional Diplomacy will be inaugurated on February 24 2011.

Responding to the recent articles in the media calling for a professional Foreign Service, the Bandaranaike International Diplomatic Training Institute (BIDTI) reminds that it is now registering applicants for the nine month Diploma Course in World Affairs and Professional Diplomacy commencing February 24.

The Diploma Course consists of 4 Modules on Professional Diplomacy, Peacekeeping and Conflict Transformation, International Law,UN and other International Organizations, and Sri Lanka Studies. The course sets a high standard and the lecturers are among the most eminent available in the country. Candidates are expected to undertake written examinations as well as assignments, intended to highlight the special character of the Diploma and its value.

The BIDTI was founded in 1994 and housed in the BMICH on an initiative of then Prime Minister Sirimavo Bandaranaike who attached great importance to Sri Lanka's diplomatic representation. While a prime function of the BIDTI was to train appointees to the Sri Lanka Foreign Service, as well as others appointed to carry out diplomatic functions, a decision was made to give the Institute a national character with a view to promoting knowledge of diplomacy and international relations to the nation at large.

The BIDTI four month Certificate Course on International Relations and Diplomacy and the nine month Diploma on World Affairs and Professional Diplomacy have proved immensely popular with the public.
Diplomacy has evolved with globalization and the new era of rapid communications. Its conventional political functions now encompass economic, financial and developmental matters, education, cultural, scientific and technological exchanges, military and legal matters, social and humanitarian issues.

In addition to diplomats and officials, the range of actors draw from the public, business, academia, artistes, the press and civil society. In the cacophony of voices and competing lobbies, our diplomats have to sharpen their skills of analysis and communication, to promote our national interests in an increasingly complex world.The imperatives for professionalism and sound training have never been greater.

(Contact BIDTI: tel: 2682109/2682110/2682111 email bidtilk@gmail.com and website www.bidti.org)