Executive Director of the Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute (LKI) Ambassador Ravinatha Aryasinha on 21 May 2025  delivered a guest lecture at the ‘Realpolitik’ Study Circle of the Department of Public Policy at the University of Ruhuna. His presentation to students, including those offering International Studies, titled ‘Sri Lanka’s Foreign Policy and Challenges in Regional Security’, sparked a vibrant and insightful discussion. Students actively engaged with the themes presented, raising thought-provoking questions and offering their perspectives on Sri Lanka’s evolving role in regional and global affairs.

Madhuka Rukmalgama, Research Assistant, LKI, who joined the session also elaborated on the research activities at LKI and shared her findings of a recent study undertaken on the ‘Belt & Road Initiative 2.0’ and elaborated on the research process, encouraging students to pursue academic excellence in the field of international relations. The opportunities afforded for internships at LKI through a competitive process, was also explained to the students.

Meetings were also held with Mr. Renuka Priyantha, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at the University of Ruhuna, and Dr. Indi Akurugoda, Head of the Department of Public Policy, where strengthening linkages with the LKI was discussed. The Executive Director also presented a set of 15 ‘LKI Policy Briefs’ on wide ranging subjects pertaining to Foreign Policy and International Relations to the Department.

This visit was part of the Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute’s ongoing 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. In November 2023, the LKI also hosted a seminar in Colombo for students pursuing International Relations.