The Annual Diplomatic Training Programme, the main feature in the calendar of the Technical Cooperation Programme of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs commenced yesterday (17 September), with a welcome reception to the participants, held at the Hotel Galadari.
Young diplomats from 23 countries have congregated in Sri Lanka, recording the highest ever participation, for this two-week long Training Programme, conducted by the Bandaranaike International Diplomatic Training Institute (BIDTI).
Acting Foreign Secretary M M Jaffeer, Secretary General - Colombo Plan Kinley Dorji, Heads of Mission of the participating countries, Managing Director - Sri Lanka Tourism Promotions Bureau Sutheash Balasubramanium and other officials graced the inaugural session.
Addressing the participants, Acting Foreign Secretary stated that Sri Lanka is well poised, with great historical traditions and experience, to be a knowledge center for international relations, and the BIDTI, with the able leadership of former Ambassador Pamela Deen will steer this Annual Programme to concur the regions and beyond. He wished that the bonds of friendship created through this Programme, with the young and aspiring diplomats from the countries in Asia and Africa will strengthen Sri Lanka’s relations with these countries, in the times ahead.
Secretary General of the Colombo Plan, addressing the gathering, thanked Sri Lanka for committedly executing the pledge made at the 44th Consultative Committee Meeting of Colombo Plan in Kathmandu in 2014, in imparting technical assistance as a means of human resource development to member countries of the Colombo Plan.
The Training Programme has been designed, in keeping with the changing dynamics of international relations and the global and regional issues, with the participation of top experts.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Colombo
18 September 2017
