The Knowledge and Linkages for an Inclusive Economy (KLIE) Grant Program supports partnerships between Sri Lankan and Australian government agencies, research institutions, civil society and professional networks. Close to AUD 4.1 million in grants has been committed since 2018.

KLIE partnerships are guided by:

• Inclusivity
• Effective partnerships and linkages
• Leveraging Australia’s capacities and expertise
• Supporting innovative approaches
• Evidence-based intervention
• Flexible and adaptive programming.

Details of partnerships funded through the KLIE Grant Program are provided below.

• Knowledge And Linkages For An Inclusive Economy Grant Program – Sri Lanka [DOCX 100 KB]
• Knowledge And Linkages For An Inclusive Economy Grant Program – Sri Lanka [PDF 465 KB]

Ocean Forecast System for Sri Lanka

Grant Recipient: University of Western Australia (UWA)

Partners: National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA), Marine Environmental Protection Authority, Sri Lankan Navy, Meteorological Department, Disaster Management Centre, Coast Conservation Department, Ocean University of Sri Lanka, University of Ruhuna and Moratuwa University.

Timeframe: 2022–2024

UWA, NARA and partners are developing and installing an ocean forecast system for Sri Lanka to improve maritime safety in Sri Lankan waters. Based on a system used in Western Australia, it will generate short-term (four-day) forecasts inclusive of winds, currents, temperature, salinity and surface gravity waves. These forecasts will support maritime safety by reducing risk and uncertainty for marine industries and operators such as fisheries, maritime transport and defence. The forecasts will also improve disaster management and allow for safer emergency responses to maritime accidents.

Sustainable Organic Waste Value Chains

Grant Recipient: Institute for Sustainable Futures at the University of Technology Sydney (ISF-UTS)

Partners: International Water Management Institute, Janathakshan GTE Ltd and Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka

Timeframe: 2022–2024

The Sustainable Organic Waste Value Chains project is working to help address food insecurity in peri-urban areas and strengthen urban waste management in Sri Lanka. The project is building on research and design work undertaken between 2019 and 2022 (also supported with a KLIE grant) to operationalise design options for sustainable organic waste value chains. It is being piloted in partnership with Kaduwela Municipal Council. Specific activities include ensuring waste quantity and quality, marketing of compost products, and awareness and education for compost use. Different types of compost are being explored for different agriculture production requirements and for home garden use.

Planning for Sustainable Marine Aquaculture in Sri Lanka

Grant Recipient: University of Sydney

Partners: Sri Lanka – National Aquaculture Development Authority (NAQDA), Ocean University of Sri Lanka, Ministry of Fisheries, Navy, National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA). Australia – NSW Department of Primary Industries, Fresh by Design and Down Under Submarines.

Timeframe: 2021–2023

The University of Sydney is working with Sri Lankan and Australian government agencies, research institutions, civil society and professional networks to scope out a new marine aquaculture industry in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka has significant potential for aquaculture development that would bolster production within traditional sectors (fish and oysters) as well as emerging sectors such as seaweed, mud crabs and sea cucumber. A new, sustainable marine aquaculture industry with strong export potential will improve domestic food security and livelihoods and support Sri Lanka’s economic recovery. The project is researching the most compelling geographies and species. It is also assessing barriers to marine aquaculture development and working to identify up to five priority marine species. A Hatchery Development Plan for the preferred species and locations will be developed.

Reimagining Vulnerability in Light of COVID-19

Grant Recipient: International Centre for Ethnic Studies (Sri Lanka)

Partners: The University of New South Wales (UNSW) (Australia)

Timeframe: 2021–2023

Globally, the COVID-19 pandemic increased the vulnerability of marginalised groups, including women, children and people with disabilities. The International Centre for Ethnic Studies in Sri Lanka is partnering with the UNSW Faculty of Justice and Law to research the effectiveness and sufficiency of social protection measures in Sri Lanka during the pandemic. Research undertaken through the Reimagining Vulnerability in Light of COVID-19 project will be made available to inform further social protection-related policy development and decision-making.

Improving Eye Health in Sri Lanka

Grant Recipient: Sight for All (Australia)

Partners: The College of Ophthalmologists of Sri Lanka, Sri Lankan Ministry of Health, 23 regional eye health units in provincial and district hospitals in Sri Lanka

Timeframe: 2021–2022

Eye health is a major, yet curable, public health challenge in Sri Lanka, primarily due to cataract, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy that can lead to blindness. Sight for All is working with the Ministry of Health and directly with provincial and district hospital staff to support the establishment of a clinical teaching program for eye health workers to better screen patients for blindness risks. Eye health equipment is being provided to 46 ophthalmologists across all 23 Sri Lankan regional eye health units to improve testing and diagnosis. Public awareness campaigns are being run to raise awareness of eye health and causes of blindness.

From Urban Waste to Sustainable Value Chains: Linking sanitation and agriculture through innovative partnerships

Grant Recipient: Institute for Sustainable Futures, University of Technology Sydney (Australia)

Partners: The International Water Management Institute, Janathakshan Ltd, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka and the Sri Lankan Department of Agriculture.

Timeframe: 2019–2022

Now complete, the three-year From Urban Waste to Sustainable Value Chains project researched the potential for organic urban waste and sanitation systems to be transformed into agricultural inputs, such as organic fertilisers. It explored the creation of a circular economy that would link urban waste and sanitation systems with agriculture production, creating a more sustainable agriculture sector in Sri Lanka. The project was underpinned by strong collaboration between Australian and Sri Lankan organisations, with a multi-sectoral approach applied to the research and the facilitation of cross-sector collaboration and sharing of knowledge and expertise. See research outputs from the study from urban waste to sustainable value chains: linking sanitation and agriculture through innovative partnerships in Sri Lanka.

Implementing the Generic ePhyhto National System (GeNS) in Sri Lanka

Grant Recipient: Department of Agriculture, Australia (formerly Department of Agriculture and Water Resources).

Partners: Sri Lankan Department of Agriculture

Timeframe: 2019–2022

Australia and Sri Lanka are working together to operationalise the Generic ePhyhto National System (GeNS) in Sri Lanka. An ePhyto is an electronic phytosanitary certificate and the GeNS is a web-based system via which countries can produce and receive an ePhyto certification. The system is implemented by the International Plant Protection Convention and is in place to prevent the introduction and spread of pests through import and export activities that can harm terrestrial and aquatic plant resources. Sri Lanka now has efficient electronic phytosanitary certification arrangements with seven countries/jurisdictions, with Australia joining in December 2020. Over 6,600 electronic certifications were issued between July 2020 and June 2021, and 42 per cent of exporter companies in Sri Lanka registered during the same period. This partnership between Australia and Sri Lanka is opening up export opportunities for Sri Lankan companies. 

Strengthening Election Administration in Sri Lanka

Grant Recipient: Australian Electoral Commission

Partners: Sri Lankan Election Commission, International Foundation for Electoral Systems

Timeframe: 2019–2021

Through the Strengthening Election Administration in Sri Lanka project, the Australian Electoral Commission partnered with the Sri Lankan Electoral Commission and the International Foundation for Electoral Systems to allow for ongoing and closer collaboration and support in the administration of elections in Sri Lanka. Now complete, this KLIE grant sought to improve democratic engagement with citizens and improve the efficacy of electoral processes.

Addressing Chronic Kidney Disease of Unknown Aetiology in Sri Lanka

Grant Recipient: Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO)

Partners: Sri Lankan Ministry of Health, Sri Lankan Atomic Energy Board, National Water Supply and Drainage Board, University of Colombo and The University of Peradeniya

Timeframe: 2019–2022

Health security cannot be improved for Sri Lankans without addressing chronic kidney disease of unknown cause (CKDu). CKDu is endemic in Sri Lanka, affecting one in five people in some districts. ANSTO first signed an MoU with the Sri Lankan Presidential Taskforce for Prevention of Chronic Kidney Disease in 2017, and this KLIE grant provides additional funding to continue this work. The project is establishing a baseline for normal kidney function in Sri Lanka and studying nutritional transfer and environmental exposure. A comprehensive study of drinking water from domestic wells in CKDu-affected communities is being undertaken and training is being provided to Sri Lankan students and early career researchers.