Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute of International Relations and Strategic Studies
The Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute of International Relations and Strategic Studies (LKI) is a foreign policy think tank currently based in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka is ex officio the Chairman of LKI. LKI conducts independent research and functions as an autonomous organisation. LKI was established in 2006 and is named after the late Sri Lankabhimanya Lakshman Kadirgamar, , MP, and former Sri Lankan Foreign Minister. The Institute is the realisation of a goal actively pursued by the late Minister, to fulfill the country's need for a think tank in the field of foreign policy research and engagement. Its stated mission is 'to engage in independent research of Sri Lanka’s international relations and strategic interests, and to provide insights and recommendations that advance justice, peace, prosperity and sustainability.' History
The former Sri Lanka Institute of Strategic Studies (SLISS) was renamed in 2006 as the Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute of International Relations and Strategic Studies, in memory of the late Hon. Lakshman Kadirgamar, via the SLISS (Amendment) Act, No. 32 of 2006 to the SLISS Act, No. 45 of 2000. LKI was inaugurated by the late Hon. Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickremanayake on 10 August 2006. In 2011, the Institute launched the first ever volume of the ‘Kadirgamar Review,’ a publication highlighting the Institute’s research papers in various areas of national, regional, and international significance. In 2016, LKI ranked 127th in the Top Foreign Policy and International Affairs Think Tanks category in the Global Think Tank Index. Premises
Housed at ‘The Lighthouse,' on Horton Place, Colombo 7, LKI occupies a heritage building steeped in contemporary Sri Lankan history. Built by D. D. Pedris, the premises were acquired by the British Board of Trade in 1933, and housed the Imperial Lighthouse Service of Ceylon and Minicoy until 1976, when ownership was transferred to the Sri Lankan Navy. It has belonged to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka since 1977. 