“Connect with Culture, Take Collective Action”
Vision
To nurture belonging within a prosperous Sri Lanka
Mission
By enabling cultural self-discovery while supporting local initiatives, we offer a cultural immersion programme for our changemakers to deeply connect with language, arts, cultural practices, wellbeing and land — led by locals.
Context
Brain Drain
Due to political instability for over 25+ years in Sri Lanka, there has been a brain drain. The population of Sri Lankan diaspora is approximately 3m+ which is almost 14% of the current population. Over 311,000 Sri Lankans left for foreign employment in 2022 alone.
Economic Crisis
By 2022, Sri Lanka had endured the worst political, economic and humanitarian crisis reaching USD $76.8bn debt, 74% consumer inflation and approximately +25% people falling below the poverty line.
What problem are we solving?
Diaspora Cultural Deterioration
The challenges faced by diaspora youth are not limited to economic or educational barriers (e.g., racism, discrimination, etc). Many feel caught between two worlds, struggling with a dual cultural identity that creates a sense of being “in-between” – disconnected from both their ethnic heritage and their peers in their residing countries. Without a strong understanding of their cultural roots, many in the diaspora face challenges forming a cohesive sense of self. This lack of ancestral cultural intelligence can inhibit not only personal/professional development but also the integration of future migrant cycles into multicultural societies.
How will the program work?
Project Roots addresses cultural deterioration by offering program that bridges the gap between Sri Lankans abroad and the cultural and economic development needs of their homeland. This model will offer a structured cultural immersion program, anchored in an Indigenous Cultural Framework, which includes language, arts, cultural practices, wellbeing, and land-based education.
The program includes the following services:
- Internship & Volunteering – Turn passion into purpose! We match your skills and interests with impactful roles in public, private, and civic sectors. Be part of local initiatives that create sustainable change.
- Host families – Immerse yourself in the warmth of a family home! Whether with relatives or a host family, experience the traditions, bonds, and daily life that shape and grow this vibrant country.
- Language – Improve your Sinhalese and/or Tamil! Our weekly classes are custom designed to help you with your everyday interactions with locals, your host family and other changemakers.
- Excursions – Understand your connections to people, places, and nature. Our weekly weekend trips provide an authentic experience for you. Going beyond touristic sightseeing, it’s an up-close understanding of the island’s rich traditions and stories!
- Networking – Build lifelong bonds and expand your horizons through our weekly sessions! Meet locals, hear from inspiring speakers, and dive into conversation on culture, history, sustainability, arts, and more.
- Reflections – Grow together in a safe and supportive space. Share your experiences, harness vulnerability, gain fresh insights, and listen to diverse perspectives. Our weekly group reflection sessions foster meaningful conversations, helping you navigate your journey with confidence and grounding.
Cultural Pillars
Community
Service and immersion with local organisation and community
Language
Oral, written, reading
Arts
History, philosophy, music, dance, literature, values, styles, arts and patterns
Traditions
Food, ceremonies, festivals, family life, ritual, public life, way of life
Wellbeing
Connection with self (mind, body and soul) through yoga, meditation, ayurvedic practices and awareness of religion (not the teaching)
Land
How to live with the land (e.g. permaculture, ecology, anthropology, geography, agriculture, horticulture, urban planning, energy, finances, economics, engineering, etc)
Why join the programme?
Alumni Community
Connect with locals and Sri Lankan diaspora from around the world and make life-long friendships
Identity
Gain self-awareness, through a holistic understanding and appreciation for the Sri Lankan culture
Wisdom
Learn from local communities, tap into ancestral knowledge and undergo profound personal development!
Authentic Experience
Support community-based tourism and immerse yourself with the culture
Regenerative Empowerment
Collaborate with local organisations that have deep understanding of the problems that Sri Lankan communities face
Legacy
After building the cultural foundations from the program, continue to collaborate with the roots network from your residing countries
Pilot Programme Details
Key Information
- Who are we looking for?
- We want Sri Lankan diaspora over 18+ who are curious about exploring their roots and want to give back to the motherland.
- Students
- Looking for global experience / CV building, gap year
- Young Professionals
- Seeking career breaks, in search of ‘purpose’
- Senior Professionals & Retired
- Specialised skill, looking to support younger generation, sponsorship & mentorship
- Time commitment is flexible – we are open to discussing time commitment flexibility that ensures a sustainable impact on local communities. The program will run annually and is flexible for volunteers to join outside of these cohort timings.
- Introduction experience – 2 weeks
- Immersion experience – min 4-6 weeks
- Cohort intake (we are also flexible for people to join outside of these times):
- Cohort 1 – July 2025
- Cohort 2 – January 2026
- Cohort 3 – July 2026
- Cohort 4 – January 2027
- Progam will take place in Sri Lanka
- Groups – Colombo
- Individuals – Across Sri Lanka
- Donate based on your experience (:
- Volunteers cover = flights, insurance + emergency fund and program fees (accommodation, food, transport, excursions, workshop fees)
(Project Roots: working on discounts)
- Volunteers cover = flights, insurance + emergency fund and program fees (accommodation, food, transport, excursions, workshop fees)
Email: [email protected]
Even if you would simply like to learn more or chat about your options. The Project Roots community engagement team is here to help.