Opinion: Sri Lanka’s need for a national school of diplomacy for state’s success for next 100 years & beyond

Lanka Business Online reports that Jithendra Antonio’s opinion article calls for a National School of Diplomacy in Sri Lanka. The proposed institution would prepare ministers, parliamentarians, ministry secretaries, administrative service officers and other senior public officials involved in governing and representing the country.

Lanka Business Online reports that Antonio envisages courses covering negotiation with overseas counterparts, geopolitical affairs, international economic matters, law, commerce, investment and strategic governance. He says the school should meet international standards and argues that such preparation should extend beyond career diplomats.

Lanka Business Online reports that the article describes Sri Lanka as pursuing foreign investment, creditor negotiations, economic partnerships and a role as an Indian Ocean investment destination. Antonio argues that greater investment is needed in the abilities of those who negotiate and administer on the country’s behalf.

Lanka Business Online reports that Antonio cites Hambantota, investments he describes as abandoned, stalled projects worth billions of dollars and Sri Lanka’s sovereign debt crisis in support of the proposal. The supplied extract stops during its discussion of investment opportunities and provides no further details about those examples or any plan to establish the school.