Institute for purpose driven research excellence. 
The Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute of International Relations and Strategic Studies (LKIIRSS), is a multi-disciplinary research forum dedicated to analyzing Sri Lanka’s strategic interests in the realm of international relations, within the contemporary domestic and global contexts. This Institute functions as a forum for the generation of research and analysis, with a view to providing an input to national policy formulation.
The successor to the Sri Lanka Institute of Strategic Studies (SLISS), this Institute was established by the enactment of SLISS (Amendment) Act, No. 32 of 2006, to the SLISS Act, No. 45 of 2000, which was certified on 26th of September 2006. The Institute was officially inaugurated on 10th August 2006.
The Institute is named after the late Lakshman Kadirgamar, P.C., M.P., three-times Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister, who served in this capacity from 1994-2000, 2000-2001 and 2004-2005. The Institute is the realization of a goal relentlessly pursued by the late Foreign Minister, to fulfill the need in the country for a centre dedicated to the study of its strategic interests and international relations in a broader and holistic context. The Institute also reflects the late Minister Kadirgamar’s vision for Sri Lanka, by promoting the country’s intellectual profile and seeking to achieve the right balance between its strategic interests and the changing global realities.
The Institute’s goal encompasses his vision to see the country’s social fabric regain its historic internal harmony by embracing its multi cultural, multi ethnic character. The Institute’s role towards this end is to influence and shape the wider considerations of national policy, while guaranteeing the fundamental freedoms, and achieving the common aspirations, of every section of Sri Lanka’s populace.
Housed at “The Lighthouse,” the Institute occupies a building steeped in contemporary Sri Lankan history, having been built by Mr. D. D. Peiris in Cinnamon Gardens. The building and surrounding land was acquired by the British Board of Trade in 1933 and housed the Imperial Lighthouse Service of Ceylon and Minicoy until 1976, when the ownership was transferred to the Sri Lanka Navy. It has belonged to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs since 1977.
Dedicated to studying and projecting a national perspective on issues related to international relations and strategic studies, the LKIIRSS is mandated to
(a) |
Function as a multi-disciplinary research Institute – |
i. Dedicated to the study of the strategic interests of Sri Lanka, including in particular, defence, national security, law, economics, cultural relations, agriculture and environment and the study of Sri Lanka’s international relations ; and ii. Engaged in promoting peace and addressing post conflict issues ; |
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(b)
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Provide information and data to the Government in relation to issues which may be required as a basis for the formulation and structuring of national policies relating to international relations and strategic studies, including information relating to defence, national security, law, economics, cultural relations, agriculture and environment ; |
(c) |
Promote and assist research in strategic studies and international relations in so far as the same are connected to Sri Lanka, and facilitate the training of personnel who undertake such research and studies ; |
(d)
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Provide a forum for discussion, analysis and evaluation of research in strategic studies and international relations in so far as the same are connected to Sri Lanka, and facilitate the carrying out of joint studies, seminars and workshops on such subjects both within the region and internationally ; |
(e) |
Establish as repository of information including a library dedicated to strategic studies and international relations and facilitate the availability of relevant and reliable information in relation thereto ; |
(f) |
Publish journals and articles on matters falling within the purview of the Institute ; |
(g) |
Maintain relationships and affiliations with individuals, associations, governmental and non-governmental institutions with similar objects in Sri Lanka as well as in other countries ; |
(h) |
Conduct training programmes on diplomacy, international relations and any other related area which the Board considers appropriate ; |
(i) |
Do such other acts and things as may be necessary in the performance of the functions of the Institute. |