High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to Bangladesh, H.E. Mr. Dharmapala Weerakkody, delivered a lecture on “Sri Lanka’s Foreign Policy, Economic Development Strategy, Sri Lanka -Bangladesh Relations, and Regional and Multilateral Engagements” at the Foreign Service Academy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh in Dhaka on 21 September 2026.
The lecture was attended by participants of the 32nd Specialized Diplomatic Training Course (SDTC) and the 04th Professional Master’s in International Relations and Diplomacy (PMIRD), comprising 26 officers from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh and six diplomats representing foreign countries.
During the lecture, the High Commissioner provided an overview of contemporary Sri Lanka, with particular emphasis on the country’s foreign policy, economic development strategy, and regional and multilateral engagements. He also highlighted the longstanding and friendly relations between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, including the growing cooperation between the two countries in the areas of political relations, trade and investment, defence, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges.
The High Commissioner also elaborated on Sri Lanka’s engagement with regional and multilateral organisations and forums, and highlighted the importance of strengthening cooperation with Bangladesh and other countries in addressing common regional and global challenges.
The lecture was followed by an interactive question-and-answer session, during which the High Commissioner responded to a wide range of questions raised by the participants.
The Foreign Service Academy (FSA) of Bangladesh is the premier institution for the professional training and capacity-building of officers of the Bangladesh Foreign Service. Operating under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh, the Academy provides training in diplomacy, international relations, foreign policy, negotiation, protocol, and consular affairs.
During his visit to the Foreign Service Academy, the High Commissioner, accompanied by Ms. Gayanga Dias, Second Secretary of the High Commission, also had the opportunity to interact and exchange views with Ambassador Muhammad Abdul Muhith, Rector, Mr. Sikder Mohammad Ashrafur Rahman, Director General, and other officials of the Foreign Service Academy.
