ICMS Secures NSF Grant to Support International Conference on Equity and Diversity 2026

The International Center for Multidisciplinary Studies (ICMS), Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, has been awarded a grant of LKR 320,000 by the National Science Foundation (NSF) under its Support Scheme for Scientific Meetings & Events (SSSME) to support the organization of the International Conference on Equity and Diversity 2026 (ICED 2026). The conference will be jointly organized by ICMS and the Equal Opportunity Cell of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura. The funding will partially support the conference, which is scheduled to be held on 22^nd July 2026 to cover its publication costs and audiovisual costs.  

The grant was awarded following the successful evaluation of the proposal submitted by the International Center for Multidisciplinary Studies (ICMS) under the April 2026 Call for applications. The proposal was selected based on its contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and its alignment with the outcomes of the Public Investment Programme 2026–2030 of the Department of National Planning. The Agreement Letters were formally handed over to Prof. Sunethra Thennakoon, Director, ICMS by Mrs. Nadeeja Wickramarachchi, Principal Scientific Officer (Head of the Journal Publication Division of NSF) during the gathering on 6^th July 2026 at the NSF premises. Other awardees of the SSSME grant 2^nd Call for 2026 were also attended the gathering.   

This achievement recognizes the commitment of ICMS to promoting high-quality research and academic collaboration. The conference is expected to bring together academics, researchers, professionals, and policymakers from Sri Lanka and abroad to share knowledge and foster meaningful collaborations. It will also provide an international platform for advancing research and dialogue on equity, diversity, and inclusion.