Deadline: 17-Jul-2026
The India–Sri Lanka Foundation (ISLF) invites proposals for projects that promote friendship, mutual understanding, and collaboration between India and Sri Lanka.
The programme focuses on strengthening people-to-people connections and supporting shared development through cross-border cooperation.
Core Purpose
The ISLF funding aims to:
- Strengthen India–Sri Lanka bilateral relations
- Promote cultural exchange and mutual understanding
- Support academic and research collaboration
- Encourage knowledge sharing across sectors
- Build long-term institutional and people-to-people partnerships
Thematic Areas
Arts and Culture
- Cultural exchange programmes
- Art exhibitions and performances
- Film festivals and cultural events
- Performing arts collaborations
Education and Research
- Academic collaborations
- Scholarly exchanges
- Conferences, seminars, and symposia
- Publication of research on India–Sri Lanka relations
Agriculture and Development
- Knowledge sharing in agricultural practices
- Rural development cooperation
- Sustainable development initiatives
Science and Technology
- Joint research initiatives
- Technology exchange programmes
- Innovation and knowledge transfer
Health and Social Work
Tourism and Heritage
Language and Literary Exchange
- Translation of literary works between Indian and Sri Lankan languages
- Publication and dissemination of translated works
- Promotion of cross-cultural literary understanding
Eligible Activities
Projects may include:
- Exchange visits for students, scholars, and professionals
- Academic and cultural conferences
- Training workshops and capacity-building programmes
- Art exhibitions and cultural festivals
- Film screenings and collaborative productions
- Publication of research and scholarly works
- Translation and publication of literary texts
- Professional and institutional exchange programmes
Eligible Applicants
Who Can Apply
- Individuals
- Institutions
- Organisations and groups
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Propose activities aligned with India–Sri Lanka cooperation
- Demonstrate relevance to thematic focus areas
- Contribute to academic, cultural, or developmental collaboration
Project Requirements
Core Expectations
Projects should:
- Promote bilateral engagement
- Strengthen people-to-people connections
- Encourage knowledge sharing and cooperation
- Deliver meaningful cultural or academic outcomes
Implementation Scope
Projects may involve:
- Cross-border travel and exchange visits
- Joint events and collaborative programmes
- Publication and dissemination of research or creative work
Why This Programme Matters
- Strengthens diplomatic and cultural ties between India and Sri Lanka
- Promotes long-term academic and professional collaboration
- Enhances mutual understanding between societies
- Encourages cultural preservation and exchange
- Supports knowledge sharing across key development sectors
- Builds sustainable bilateral partnerships
How It Works
Step 1: Identify Collaboration Area
- Select thematic focus (culture, education, science, etc.)
- Define India–Sri Lanka cooperation objective
Step 2: Design Project
- Plan exchange activities or joint initiatives
- Define participating individuals or institutions
- Set clear outputs (events, publications, workshops)
Step 3: Prepare Application
- Project proposal with objectives and outcomes
- Timeline and implementation plan
- Budget and resource requirements
Step 4: Submit Proposal
- Ensure alignment with bilateral cooperation goals
- Highlight cross-country engagement clearly
Step 5: Review and Selection
Applications are assessed based on:
- Relevance to ISLF objectives
- Strength of India–Sri Lanka collaboration
- Quality and feasibility of project design
- Expected cultural, academic, or developmental impact
Step 6: Implementation
- Conduct exchanges, events, or publications
- Strengthen cross-border partnerships
- Document and share outcomes
Common Mistakes
- Weak or indirect bilateral relevance
- Lack of clear India–Sri Lanka collaboration component
- Vague project outputs (no defined deliverables)
- Overly broad or unfocused proposals
- Insufficient institutional or participant detail
Tips for a Strong Application
- Clearly demonstrate bilateral benefit
- Include concrete exchange activities or outputs
- Highlight long-term cooperation potential
- Strengthen academic or cultural credibility
- Focus on measurable outcomes (events, publications, exchanges)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the ISLF Call for Project Proposals 2026?
- A funding initiative supporting India–Sri Lanka collaboration projects
- Focuses on cultural, academic, and developmental exchange
Who can apply?
- Individuals
- Institutions
- Groups and organisations
- All must align with India–Sri Lanka cooperation goals
What types of projects are supported?
- Cultural exchange programmes
- Academic conferences and research
- Student and professional exchanges
- Art exhibitions and festivals
- Translation and publication projects
What sectors are included?
- Arts and culture
- Education and research
- Agriculture
- Science and technology
- Health and social work
- Tourism
- Literary exchange
What is the main objective of the programme?
- To strengthen friendship and cooperation between India and Sri Lanka
- Through people-to-people and institutional engagement
What are key outputs expected?
- Events, workshops, or conferences
- Research publications
- Cultural performances or exhibitions
- Translation of literary works
- Exchange visits
Conclusion
The India–Sri Lanka Foundation Call for Project Proposals 2026 supports collaborative initiatives that deepen cultural, academic, and developmental ties between India and Sri Lanka. By funding exchanges, research, and creative cooperation, it strengthens bilateral relations and promotes long-term people-to-people engagement.
For more information, visit India – Sri Lanka Foundation.