Sri Lanka obtained admission to various security related regional organizations under the Government of President Mahinda Rajapaksa, said Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama at the 16th Annual Award Ceremony of the Bandaranaike International Diplomatic Training Institute (BIDTI).

The Foreign Minister described the achievements in foreign relations under the government of President Rajapaksa, in particular Sri Lanka’s admission to various security related regional organizations such as Asean Regional Forum, Asia Cooperation Dialogue and Shangrila Cooperation.

The Minister stated that these regional discussions were of immense benefit in obtaining the required cooperation to successfully count terrorism and as an indispensable support to the military campaign against the LTTE.

The Ambassador of China Madame Yang Xiuping, in her address, described the achievements of China as an emerging global economic power and the friendly relations maintained with Sri Lanka since many years.

Over 100 participants from the BIDTI courses in 2009 comprising the nine month Diploma Course in World Affairs and Professional Diplomacy and the four month Certificate Courses in International Relations and Diplomacy received their certificates at the Award Ceremony.