The Asia Foundation

LankaCorps is a unique volunteer program for young professionals, between the ages of 21 and 29, of Sri Lankan heritage who want to contribute to this dynamic, multi-ethnic nation. After decades of war, The Asia Foundation believes these...

LankaCorps is a unique volunteer program for young professionals, between the ages of 21 and 29, of Sri Lankan heritage who want to contribute to this dynamic, multi-ethnic nation. After decades of war, The Asia Foundation believes these fellowships will help contribute to the island's long-term recovery.

Fellows are placed in six-month assignments with established businesses, nonprots, and government departments. They participate in local social and economic initiatives and organizations, while discovering themselves and gaining a deeper understanding of contemporary Sri Lanka.

Maldives 2012

Gang violence in the Maldives is becoming increasingly commonplace and the nature of violence more brutal as new types of drugs and weapons are used. There are reportedly between 20 and 30 different gangs operating in...

Maldives 2012

Gang violence in the Maldives is becoming increasingly commonplace and the nature of violence more brutal as new types of drugs and weapons are used. There are reportedly between 20 and 30 different gangs operating in Male' with 50 to 400 members in each group. Gang violence impacts almost all citizens of the capital in one way or another. Businesses and neighbourhoods frequently have property damaged during gang violence; youth congregate in public areas, often using drugs and starting fights; and during political rallies gangs are seen on the streets causing chaos.

Application form for LankaCorps Fellows program. Applications should be submitted to: James Grant, Program Assistant, Asian American Exchange, The Asia Foundation, Tel: (415) 743-3303; E-mail:

Application form for LankaCorps Fellows program. Applications should be submitted to: James Grant, Program Assistant, Asian American Exchange, The Asia Foundation, Tel: (415) 743-3303; E-mail: jgrant@asiafound.org.

The Asia Foundation has been working with the Ministry of Justice in Sri Lanka since the 1960s on a variety of programs designed to improve the administration of justice. The first Community Mediation Boards of Sri Lanka were established in...

The Asia Foundation has been working with the Ministry of Justice in Sri Lanka since the 1960s on a variety of programs designed to improve the administration of justice. The first Community Mediation Boards of Sri Lanka were established in 1990 as an alternative form of dispute resolution, providing accessible, timely, and affordable justice by settling disputes between individuals, families, and small groups. Since then, the Foundation has supported the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) with the objective of facilitating the voluntary settlement of minor disputes using interest-based mediation. The Community Mediation Boards project is the Foundation’s longest-running program of assistance in Sri Lanka.

Sri  Lanka is a multi-­ethnic, multi-­religious society with four major religions: Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, and   Roman Catholicism. As the country emerges from decades of war, new ethno-­religious dynamics are emerging...

Sri  Lanka is a multi-­ethnic, multi-­religious society with four major religions: Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, and   Roman Catholicism. As the country emerges from decades of war, new ethno-­religious dynamics are emerging which have implications for peace and coexistence between communities. This survey is meant to help uncover some of those dynamics. Within this complex and evolving ethno-­religious landscape, The Asia Foundation conducted the National Values in Sri Lanka Survey in late 2011 to gain a more grounded understanding of people's perceptions of religious beliefs and practices, influence of religious leaders, inter-­religious relations, and tolerance for religious expression.

LankaCorps is a new and unique volunteer program for young professionals in the Sri Lankan diaspora, between the ages of 21 and 29, who want to contribute to this dynamic, multi-ethnic nation. Apply for a fellowship and help contribute to the...

LankaCorps is a new and unique volunteer program for young professionals in the Sri Lankan diaspora, between the ages of 21 and 29, who want to contribute to this dynamic, multi-ethnic nation. Apply for a fellowship and help contribute to the island's long-term recovery. Short-term placements are available with established businesses, nonprofits, and government departments. Participate in local social and economic initiatives and organizations, while discovering yourself and gaining a deeper understanding of contemporary Sri Lanka.

In 2005, The Asia Foundation inaugurated the Psychosocial Program (PSP) to help Sri Lankan communities overcome the lasting effects of conflict related violence. PSP is a partnership with two local NGOs, the Family Rehabilitation Centre (FRC)...

In 2005, The Asia Foundation inaugurated the Psychosocial Program (PSP) to help Sri Lankan communities overcome the lasting effects of conflict related violence. PSP is a partnership with two local NGOs, the Family Rehabilitation Centre (FRC) and Shanthiham (The Association for Health and Counseling), which provide psychosocial support services to survivors of war, conflict, trauma, and torture.

In late 2010 The Asia Foundation in Sri Lanka commissioned a public perceptions survey that aimed to capture the post-war mood of the nation. The survey sought to gauge public opinion about the overall direction of the country, the economy,...

In late 2010 The Asia Foundation in Sri Lanka commissioned a public perceptions survey that aimed to capture the post-war mood of the nation. The survey sought to gauge public opinion about the overall direction of the country, the economy, public institutions, the central government, and local conditions.

Religious leaders of all faiths are highly regarded in Sri Lankan society, and an accurate picture of the current reality for this island nation is incomplete without considering Muslims. Sometimes referred to as Sri Lankan Moors, they...

Religious leaders of all faiths are highly regarded in Sri Lankan society, and an accurate picture of the current reality for this island nation is incomplete without considering Muslims. Sometimes referred to as Sri Lankan Moors, they comprise 7 percent of the country's population. Their mother-tongue is Tamil but they are a distinct ethnic group with their own customs. Muslims are found all over the island but the largest concentration is in the Eastern Province.

This study is an assessment of local economic governance and the enabling environment for private enterprise in Sri Lanka's Eastern Province. Good economic governance is of paramount importance to the creation of a dynamic economic environment...

This study is an assessment of local economic governance and the enabling environment for private enterprise in Sri Lanka's Eastern Province. Good economic governance is of paramount importance to the creation of a dynamic economic environment and sustained growth. For Sri Lanka's Eastern Province, which has been affected by civil war for over two decades, the creation of such an environment is critical to its recovery. The Asia Foundation's (The Foundation's) approach to fostering effective economic governance in Asia is grounded in recognition of the private sector as the engine for economic growth. However, private sector activity is often constrained by a wide range of institutional obstacles. To address the constraints to private sector growth, the Foundation has developed specialized tools to measure the quality of local economic governance in a country and to engage with both public and private sector actors on policy reform.