DR.VERNON MENDIS - A DIPLOMAT FOR ALL SEASONS
On December 45, 2013 Dr. Vernon Mendis would have been celebrating his 88th Birthday. As the doyen of Sri Lanka’s diplomatic service he completed a distinguished career serving in our missions in Washington , Moscow , Tokyo , Paris and finally as Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner in London.
At a time when Sri Lanka has had the grandeur of holding the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, our thoughts automatically go backwards reminding us of an unforgettable unique occasion, the 5th Non Aligned Nations Summit held in Colombo at the BMICH in 1976, where for the first time in our history, a large number of heads of countries gathered in Sri Lanka. This occasion was executed to perfection with Dr. Mendis as its Secretary–General, a position he held so majestically with his usual dignity and aplomb.
The father of professional diplomacy in Sri Lanka, Dr. Mendis was the obvious choice to be Director General of the Bandaranaike Inter- national Diplomatic Training Institute (BIDTI) when it was inaugurated, to provide the right leadership to the project with his vast experience and expertise. He adorned the Institute and made a name and fame for Sri Lanka in the world of Diplomacy through his talented and devoted commitment.
A historian of repute earning a doctrine for his many research publications, Dr. Mendis was a combination of academic scholarship and professional Diplomacy. With his imposing personality and impeccable attire, his mastery of language and profound knowledge, his lectures made the ancient history of Sri Lanka’s Diplomatic practice and the complicated regional & global affairs come alive for the benefit of the students of International Affairs and the interested public.
He created an awareness of Foreign Policy issues among the audience who ranged from diverse backgrounds, disciplines and professions, notably the Armed & Security Forces.
The lasting contribution of Dr. Mendis’ life-long career in Foreign Affairs opened the doors of diplomatic theory and practice to a popular outreach, beyond the confines of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He had reached a summit of achievement by being the Director General of the BIDTI, affording an opportunity for young professionals in multi-disciplinary fields to learn about the esoteric aspects of the practice of diplomacy, regionally and globally.
The present Army and Navy Commanders both had the privilege of studying under the supervision and guidance of Dr. Mendis while they attended courses in International Affairs at the BIDTI and I am sure they remember this great, dignified gentleman who carried himself with poise, mingling with kings and nobles with such consummate ease and feeling equal, clinching an issue to little Sri Lanka’s advantage and dexterity.
I remember my boss for whom I served with such enthusiasm, learning to be a self-confident lady by all means and I am personally indebted to him for what I am today at the present stage of my career which is mostly due to his encouragement, assistance & advice.
May he attain the supreme bliss of Nibbana Ms Thilaka C. Perera Former Programme Coordinator
BIDTI