Established in 1974, the BCIS is a non-profit and service-oriented organization specializing in all aspects of International Relations including training, research and advanced studies.

The BCIS is the academic wing of the S. W. R. D. Bandaranaike National Memorial Foundation established by the Act of Parliament No. 2 of 1975 in memory of the late Prime Minister Mr. S. W. R. D. Bandaranaike. From its inception, BCIS was chaired by the late Madam Sirmavo Bandaranaike, the world’s first woman Prime Minister, until her demise in October 2000. The late Hon. Lakshman Kadirgamar, P.C., M.P., Minister of Foreign Affairs, chaired the BCIS from 01st August 2002 until his assassination by the terrorists on 12th August 2005.

President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga declared open the new building donated by the Government of China to the Bandaranaike Centre for International Studies (BCIS) on January 8, 2003. The opening coincided with the 104th Birth Anniversary of the late Prime Minister S W R D Bandaranaike.

Associated with the President were the Chinese Ambassador Jiang Qinzheng, Chairman of the Council of Management of the BCIS Lakshman Kadirgamar and Chairman of the Bandaranaike Centre for International Studies Bandula Ekanayake.

 

Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing said people of Sri Lanka and China have common problems, and they should address them in the interests of their countrymen. Speaking after the ceremonial opening of the new building of the Bandaranaike Centre for International Studies(BCIS) at the BMICH yesterday, the Chinese Foreign Minister said that relations between the two countries continued to flourish and the new building was a landmark in the relations between them.

 

Chinese dignitaries at BCIS

by M.P. Muttiah
Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing said people of Sri Lanka and China have common problems, and they should address them in the interests of their countrymen.
Speaking after the ceremonial opening of the new building of the Bandaranaike Centre for International Studies(BCIS) at the BMICH yesterday, the Chinese Foreign Minister said that relations between the two countries continued to flourish and the new building was a landmark in the relations between them.
Li Zhaoxing said both countries understood the issues of the people and they would work together towards the welfare of the common people and raise their living standards. He added that with the new building and other equipment the Centre would be able to promote the study of international relations at a higher level.
Sri Lankan Foreign Minister and BCIS Chairman Lakshman Kadirgamar welcoming his Chinese counterpart said that the new building had opened another chapter in the relations between the two countries.
Kadirgamar said that the Late Prime Minister Sirimavo Bandaranaike opened the Centre in 1973 a year before the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall came into existence. Despite responsibilities as the Prime Minister, she had devoted much time in improving the Centre. In the modern turbulent world the study of international relations is an increasing means of understanding. Therefore the BCIS co-operates with several institutions including the Jawaharlal Nehru University. Every year Chinese scholars deliver the Chou En Lai memorial lecture.

http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2005/04/10/new26.html

The activities of the Centre are governed by an honorary Council of Management, appointed by H.E. the President, presently headed by Hon. Lakshman Kadirgamar, P.C., Minister of Foreign Affairs.