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SLIIR plans many activities to foster better understanding of international issues

The Sri Lanka Institute of International Relations (SLIIR) was inaugurated by Minister of Foreign Affairs Tyronne Fernando, just over one year ago at 'Light Service House', No. 24, Horton Place, Colombo 7, states a Foreign Ministry press release.

The release adds: Minister Fernando also chairs the Board of Management of SLIIR which includes the Leader of the Opposition, reflecting the traditional bipartisan approach to foreign policy. The President is the Patron of the SLIIR. Board Members currently serving in an honorary capacity for 2 years include former Foreign Secretary and Ambassador B. P. Tillekeratne, former Ambassador and Director General of the Bandaranaike International Diplomatic Training Institute, Dr. Vernon Mendis, former Secretary General of UNCTAD and the Chairman of the South Foundation, Dr. Gamanie Corea and Head of the Department of International Relations at Colombo University, Dr. Amal Jayawardene.

According to the mission statement of the SLIIR, a main objective is to act as a focal point for research and discussion, both anticipatory and reactive, on global and regional issues as they impact on Sri Lanka. Several forward-looking research papers have been commissioned by SLIIR during this year, both bilateral and regional, political and economic, which were critically analyzed at a seminar consisting of academics and independent experts, private sector and relevant government organizations. The findings of these research seminars would assist the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in policy planning and formulation of policy alternatives and responses.

During the year a number of public lectures have been arranged at the SLIIR with a view to fostering better understanding of international issues. Speakers have included French Judge Louis Brugiere who spoke on 'Counter terrorism' - the French experience, Secretary-General of SAARC Mr. Q. A. M. A. Rahim who addressed Sri Lanka's national focal points on 'recent developments in SAARC', Foreign Minister of Bhutan Lyonpo Jigmy Y. Thinley who spoke on 'Bhutan and her External Relations', Dr. M. S. Swaminathan of the M. S. Swaminathan Foundation, Chennai who delivered a public lecture on 'Food for All - lessons from the green revolution' and Prof. Lakshman Marasinghe who spoke an 'Constitutional Options for a Settlement of Ethnic Disputes.'

The SLIIR has also initiated an internship programme and is receiving applications from local universities and international relations institutions for students to intern for a period of one month. About 6 interns have already completed internship assignments at SLIIR.

Another special project on 'Sri Lanka and the Silk Route of the Sea' was launched in order to revive and modernize contacts with a number of countries, East and West of the Indian Ocean, with which we share old historical ties. This project was considered timely as Sri Lanka will take over in 2003, the chair of two regional organizations BIMST-EC and IORRAC. which are groupings of Indian Ocean States. In this connection, the SLIIR is also sponsoring a second edition of the publication 'Sri Lanka and the Silk Route of the Sea' (now out of print) together with the Central Cultural Fund and the Sri Lanka National Commission of UNESCO.

The SLIIR is the 'public window' of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and has received over 2000 visitors during this year. The Institute has well equipped facilities including a 120 seat auditorium, conference and meeting room which have been made available for hire, raising some revenue for the government to maintain this beautiful historical building and premises.

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