The Bandaranaike Centre for International Studies (BCIS) is the academic wing of the S.W. R. D Bandaranaike Memorial Foundation established under Act of Parliament No. 2 of 1975. The BCIS is an approved charity under Act of No. 4 and section 16 (A) of 1963. The centre is governed by an honorary council of management appointed by H.E the President. The Centre offers courses in International Relations, Conflict Resolution and Peace Support and Language Training at very nominal rates
Since its inception in 1975, the BCIS has played a pioneer role in the furtherance of studies and the dissemination of Information in the field of International Relations and Language Training. The BCIS commenced its International Relations courses well before the University system of Sri Lanka began to offer it as a separate academic discipline. In 2005, the centre expanded its activities to include Conflict Resolution and Peace Support and Youth Empowerment.

The International Relations Division of the BCIS, in pursuance of the specific and general objectives of the Centre conducts regular Certificate, Diploma, Higher Diploma and Post- Graduate Diploma Courses. The target group for these courses range from School Leavers to Professionals seeking to expand their career prospects in the field of International Relations. BCIS International Relations courses are also very popular with those seeking employment in the Sri Lankan Foreign Service and those seeking job prospects in Foreign missions. Further, our International Relations courses are also immensely popular with Undergraduate Arts, Humanities and Law students since the BCIS provides them with a firm understanding of the theoretical and practical aspects of International Relations and allied disciplines, such as International Law, International Politics etc.

As part of its mandate, the BCIS also regularly conducts panel discussions, national and International seminars and public lectures on international topics of current relevance for the benefit of the general public absolutely free of charge. These programs also create immense value addition to the experience of studying at the BCIS.

The Language Training Division of the Centre conducts a Foreign Language Programme as well as a English Language Programme. The Foreign Language Programme offers, Chinese, Japanese, Spanish, Italian, Russian and Tamil languages and also offers Sinhala language training for non-natives. The centre was recently accredited by the Official Languages Commission to train Public Officials for exams conducted by the Department of Official Languages. This course has been specially designed for public officials adhering to the curriculum and text books developed by the Department of Official Languages.

The English Language Training Programme offers two courses, namely an Effective Public Speaking class as well as a spoken English for Professional Communication class. The effective public speaking class is designed to enhance public speaking skills in the English language of people of all age groups, while the spoken English for Professional Communication class is more suited towards Professionals and Executives seeking to improve their spoken communication skills in the English language.

The Conflict Resolution and Peace Support Division of the BCIS, which was created in 2005 with a view to facilitating the current peace process in Sri Lanka, as part of its mandate offers, the Diploma in Conflict Resolution Skills Development as well as conducting regular roundtable discussion forums, panel discussions and seminars on issues pertaining not only to the peace process in Sri Lanka, but to global peace processes as well.

The Division also offers the Diploma in Conflict Resolution: Skills Development for personnel of all track levels involved in Sri Lanka's peace process. The unique feature of the course is its emphasis on practical skills associated with conflict resolution and peace building. The BCIS is located within the BMICH premises, in a spacious two-story building with state of the art facilities and with ample parking.