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History
 
 
The U.S.-Sri Lanka Fulbright Commission (US-SLFC) has, for almost 50 years now, devoted its activities to the promotion of mutual understanding between the U.S and Sri Lanka through mutual academic and professional exchanges.

The U.S.-SLFC, formally known as the U.S. Educational Foundation of Sri Lanka, is an autonomous bi-national commission established by the governments of the U.S and Sri Lanka. Its activities began when representatives of the two governments initiated a short-term programme by an executive Agreement signed on 17th, November 1952.

The Programme gained permanent status in 1964 with the signing of an Agreement for the establishment of the present bi-national Commission. The US-SLFC is the only independent commission of its kind in the field of academic exchange in Sri Lanka and the only such entity that functions under a bi-national Board of Directors.

 
 
 
 
Objectives
 
 

The objectives of the U.S.-Sri Lanka Fulbright Commission are:

  • To promote closer relations between Sri Lanka and the U.S. by increasing the number of Sri Lankans and Americans who have direct knowledge of both countries.
  • To address some of Sri Lanka's identified educational needs in fields where study opportunities, instructional facilities and institutional options are limited, especially in areas where the U.S. experience is strong.
  • To encourage the participation of U.S university alumni in support of U.S.-Sri Lanka academic exchange through a variety of follow-up programmes.
  • To strengthen institutional ties between the U.S. and Sri Lankan universities and research institutions.
 
 
 
 
The Board of Directors
 
 

The members of the US-SLFC are drawn from the U.S. Government and Sri Lanka. All Board decisions are taken after careful consideration of all issues involved on the basis of consensus.

Executive Director:

  • Tissa Jayatilaka

Members of the Board:

  • Robert O. Blake Jr, Ambassador of the United States - Hony., Chairman
  • Jeffrey J. Anderson, Director for Press and Cultural Affairs, US Embassy - Chairman
  • James R. Moore, Deputy Chief of Mission, US Embassy - Treasurer
  • Jennifer Moragoda, Honorary Consul for Brazil - Member
  • Deepika Udagama, Head, Department of Law, Faculty of Law, University of Colombo - Member
  • Nihal Fonseka, Chief Executive Officer/ General Manager, DFCC Bank - Member
  • Nimal Bandara, Secretary, Ministry of Education & Higher Education - Member
 
 
 
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Staff
 
 

The US-SLFC is made up of a small team of dedicated staff who are always willing to help you with your queries and requests. Please feel free to contact the Commission if you need advise on pursuing studies in the U.S. or information on activities of the Commission that are open to the public.

Executive Director: Mr. Tissa Jayatilaka
Programme Officer: Ms. Ramya Chamalie Jirasinghe
Accountant: Mrs. Chitra Marambe
Student Advisor: Mrs. Nelum Senadira
Secretary to the Director: Ms. Soraya Usuf
Clerk and Chauffer: Mr D. Pushpa Kumara
Office Assistant: Mrs. Sumitra Perera
 
 
 
 
Working Hours and Holidays
 
 

The US-SLFC is open to the public from Monday to Friday each week.

Hours: 10.00 am - 12.30 pm & 2.00 pm - 4.30 pm
 

Please note that the Reference Library, only, will be open without a break from
10.00 am - 4.30 pm

   
Holidays: The US-SLFC will be closed on the following days in 2009
   

01 January 2009 – New Years Day
14 January 2009 –  Thai Pongal Day
19 January 2009 – Birthday of Martin Luther King
04 February 2009 – Independence Day
09 February 2009 – Navam Full Moon Poya Day
16 February 2009 – President’s Day
10 March 2009 – Holy Prophet's Birthday
09 April 2009 –  Bak Full Moon Poya Day
13 April 2009 –  Day Prior to Sinhala-Tamil New Year Day
14 April 2009 –  Sinhala-Tamil New Year Day
01 May 2009 – May Day
08 May 2009 – Vesak Full Moon Poya Day
25 May 2009 – Memorial  Day
03 July 2009 – In lieu of Independence Day
06 July 2009 – Esela Full Moon Poya Day
07 September 2009 – Labor Day
12 October 2009 – Colmbus Day
11 November 2009 – Veterans' Day
26 November 2009 –Thanksgiving Day
25 December 2009 – Christmas Day

 
 
 
Inquiries and Appointments
 
 

It is always advisable to make a prior appointment if you wish to meet a staff member, as that would ensure the person you need to see is available at the time you visit the Commission.

For general inquiries please write to
soraya@isplanka.lk

For inquiries about scholarships, grantee status and other activities of the Commission please contact the Programme Officer on
fulbright@isplanka.lk

For inquires about the activities of the Student Advising Centre or appointments with the student advisor please write to
advising@isplanka.lk

 
   
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United States - Sri Lanka Fulbright Commission, No 22 Flower Terrace (off Flower Road) Colombo 7, Sri Lanka
Phone : + 94 11 256 4176, Fax : + 94 11 256 4153