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Importance of Diplomacy


In the present-day context, it is pretty much impossible for someone to live in complete isolation. The advancements in technology, specially that to the information and communications field has had remarkable impact on human networks and connectivity. The formidable geographical barriers of the world have largely been bridged as a result of such technology to a point where everything is just a few words and click away. It is something that you and I witness everyday when we use online social network platforms.

In such a context, the importance of physical presence has somewhat diminished. You might be far away from the audience or issue you address. Whether on your computer well settled at home or on your phone on the way to or from work, the words you utter, have so much more meaning and impact in the present-day context. So much so, it might even have an impact on a global scale. It can be that you may not even realize that you are having such an impact. Individualism has therefore got new vigor with significant influential capacity. But this proportionately increases the risk of conflict of opinions as well. But it is a double-edged sword.

Diplomacy historically developed as the art or practice which related to management of conduct and affairs on inter state relationships through official representatives termed as diplomats. The primary objective was to further the causes of one state in a mutually beneficial and peaceful manner which avoids conflict. The time and age have come where this primary objective should be of a paramount importance even in our individual expressions due to the background I set out above.

Therefore, I believe that diplomacy is an art to be practiced by responsible citizens just as it has been practiced by responsible states throughout the history of mankind. Diplomacy is the skill from which you can master the double edged sword of individualism – where you develop sensitivity in dealing with others and contentious issues.

“Tact is the knack of making a point without making an enemy.” – Isaac Newton

These are all sentiments that I learned and developed while learning at the Bandaranaike International Diplomatic Training Institute (BIDTI). It was originally established in 1994 under the guidance of the then Prime Minister, the Late Madam Hon. Sirimavo Bandaranaike, with the objective of nurturing the budding diplomats of the nation. The Institute has a rich and wide range of resource persons comprising of UN officials, past & present Ambassadors, High Commissioners, other professionals from various relevant fields in public & private sectors.  This resource panel is the instrumental feature of this Institution as it allows students to learn from the personals both the theoretical and practical application because of the vast knowledge & personal experiences which they deliver when teaching the relevant course content.  

With more than 2 decades of service, the Institute has evolved in offering opportunity to all those interested in developing their knowledge in diplomacy and world affairs regardless of the profession or field you work in. It is due to this opportunity and the quality resource content provided, that I was able to enroll and successfully complete the Diploma in ‘Diplomacy & World Affairs’ despite my background relating to the law and real estate professions.

You do not need to be a diplomat in profession to practice diplomacy. But you do need diplomacy to practice your profession.


Ruvindu Bandara was the recipient of the Sirimavo Bandaranaike Award Diploma in Diplomacy and World Affairs (Batch XV)

The opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own and not the institutional views of the BIDTI, nor do they necessarily reflect the position of any other institution or individual with which the author is affiliated.

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