The LKI Hosts Seminar for Students Pursuing International Relations at The University of Ruhuna

November 30, 2023    Reading Time: 2 minutes

Reading Time: 2 min read

In line with the Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute’s commitment to support the teaching of International Relations and Foreign Policy in Sri Lanka, as well to increase interaction between the Sri Lankan academic community/researchers with foreign policy practitioners, the Institute hosted a seminar at the LKI for a visiting study group comprising academic staff and over 100 undergraduates from the Department of Public Policy of the University of Ruhuna on 30th November 2023. LKI’s Executive Director, Amb. Ravinatha Aryasinha, led the interactive discussion, supported by the LKI’s research and administration teams, outlining the Institute’s current research priorities and issues related to International Relations and Sri Lanka Foreign Policy. Dr. Indi Akurugoda, Head/Department of Public Policy of the University of Ruhuna, and Dr. Nisanka Sanjeewani Ariyarathne and Assistant Lecturers of the Department accompanied the undergraduates to this seminar.

Mr. Chathuka Senanayake, Director (Administration) welcomed the group to LKI and provided an overview of the structure, function, research programme, publications and flagship and other collaborative activities of the institute. 

Addressing the students, Amb. Aryasinha, emphasised the importance of studying international relations and foreign policy in a manner that is of practical relevance, and how an understanding of theoretical frameworks can complement policy development. While sharing his perspective on contemporary Sri Lanka Foreign Policy, the Executive Director detailed key challenges Sri Lanka faces and emphasised the need for greater public discourse and strengthened decision-making structures/processes in navigating Sri Lanka’s Foreign Policy and relations. 

LKI Research Fellow Michael Iveson, and Research Assistants Dulanaka Jayasinghe and Nethmi Jinadasa briefed the students on their ongoing research projects which covered economic policy, climate change, GSP+, human rights, and UN peacekeeping. The research team explained their research objectives, how they approach research projects, the challenges encountered in the process of research and how they overcame them, and their research outcomes.

In their interaction with the LKI staff, the undergraduates raised questions covering the merits and demerits of aligned and non-aligned approaches to foreign policy; reasons for Sri Lanka’s foreign successes and failures of the past; the impact of history on the current foreign policy; the future trajectory of Sri Lanka’s relations with the major powers and multilateral organizations; the influence on Sri Lanka’s exports, investment and overall trade; and how best to position themselves in the competitive job market. 

The LKI encouraged the students to avail of the library and other networking facilities offered by the LKI in the furtherance of their academic work. It was also noted that following a competitive selection process the LKI hosts as Interns 4-8 senior undergraduates from Sri Lankan Universities/those studying in universities abroad at a time, providing these students requisite professional exposure, and also securing their contribution to the conduct of the research and organizational work of the LKI.