Sylvia Lanka Foundation (SLF) is a UK-registered charity and Sri Lankan NGO working to empower vulnerable and underserved communities in Sri Lanka through sustainable development, education, healthcare, environmental protection, livelihoods and community-based initiatives. Its work is guided by the principle of “Empowering Communities, Enriching Lives”, with a strong emphasis on creating sustainable opportunities that enable communities to become more resilient and self-reliant.
SLF works closely with local communities, schools, young people, farmers and community organisations, particularly in rural areas of Sri Lanka. Its main activities include sustainable and organic agriculture, environmental conservation, education and skills development, youth and sports development, healthcare support, and community livelihood programmes. Through the Kaudulla Community Farm in Polonnaruwa District, SLF promotes sustainable and organic agriculture, biodiversity conservation, indigenous plant cultivation, food security and rural livelihoods. The initiative seeks to strengthen local knowledge, skills and community participation while encouraging environmentally responsible farming practices and creating opportunities for local communities.
SLF also supports education and skills development for children and young people, including scholarships, information technology programmes and vocational training, while its community and youth initiatives encourage participation, inclusion and the transmission of knowledge and skills between generations. As an NGO accredited under the 2003 UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, SLF is committed to contributing to the safeguarding, promotion and transmission of living heritage in ways that place communities and their knowledge, practices and participation at the centre of sustainable development.
The Foundation aims to support community-led approaches that respect cultural diversity, strengthen intergenerational transmission of knowledge and skills, and contribute to resilient and sustainable communities in Sri Lanka.
Year of accreditation: 2026
Main domain(s) of the ngo’s activities: Social practices, rituals and festive events, Knowledge and practices concerning nature and the universe,
Main safeguarding measures: a) identification, documentation, research (including inventory-making), c) promotion, enhancement, d) transmission,
Main country where the NGO works: Sri Lanka
