The six-day International Youth Research Camp 2026 concluded successfully in Sri Lanka through six major academic, research, cultural, and collaborative programmes involving young researchers and professionals from Bangladesh.

Organised for the second time, the camp was held from 3 to 8 May 2026 across Colombo and Galle, with the participation of 17 young researchers, students, journalists, and professionals from different universities and institutions in Bangladesh, alongside participants from Sri Lanka.

The programme featured a range of activities, including field visits and research work in Galle through a special Marine Drive train journey, an interactive session with the Sri Lankan Girls’ Guide Association, a research and cultural programme at the SAARC Cultural Centre, a research and collaboration session at the Bandaranaike Centre for International Studies (BCIS), and a training session with the Toastmasters International Colombo Club.

The camp concluded at the Bangladesh High Commission in Colombo through a closing ceremony, research presentations, and certificate distribution among participants.

During the programme, participants presented research findings and shared experiences based on their academic visits and field observations conducted in Sri Lanka.

The closing session was moderated by Md Jannatul Habib, Consular of the Bangladesh High Commission in Colombo. Bangladesh High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Andalib Elias attended the programme as the chief guest.

Special guests and mentors included Professor Dr Rangika Halwatura of the University of Moratuwa, Professor Dr Sikder Md Zulkarnain, Deputy Director (Programme) of the SAARC Cultural Centre in Colombo, H B Dayaratna, research camp mentor Ruwan P Perera, and Sabita Binta Azad Shifa.

The research presentation session was conducted by Camp Coordinator Saifullah Khaled, while the vote of thanks was delivered by S M Sadeq, Director of the International Research Camp.

As part of the programme, the organising team also held a collaboration meeting with Professor Dr Indika Mahesh Karunathilake, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Colombo, where discussions focused on future cooperation in education, research, cultural exchange, and academic collaboration between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

The delegation additionally visited the UN Global Compact Sri Lanka Network to discuss potential future initiatives and partnerships.

Participants also visited several historical landmarks, educational institutions, and tourist attractions across Sri Lanka during the six-day programme.

The International Youth Research Camp in Sri Lanka was organised by the Bangladesh Research Society, a youth-led platform working to promote research culture and academic engagement among young people in Bangladesh.

Supporting partners included Help the Future, Village Empowerment, Run Globally, Global Institute for Research and Development, and Hetman Travel. Jamuna Television and The Business Standard joined as media partners, while TBS Graduate participated as the youth partner.

Organisers said that following the successful first edition held in Nepal last year, the initiative aims to expand to more countries in the future to create greater opportunities for youth research, international networking, and global collaboration.