Help The Future - HTF

International Youth Research Camp 2026 Successfully Concludes in Sri Lanka

The six-day International Youth Research Camp (IYRC) 2026 concluded successfully in Sri Lanka through a series of impactful academic, research, cultural, and collaborative programs held in Colombo and Galle from 2 to 7 May 2026.

Organized for the second time, the international camp brought together 17 young researchers, students, journalists, and professionals from Bangladesh, along with participants from Sri Lanka, creating a vibrant platform for international academic exchange and youth collaboration.

The camp featured several major activities, including field research and study visits in Galle through a scenic Marine Drive train journey, an interactive session with the Sri Lanka Girl Guides Association, a research and cultural exchange program at the SAARC Cultural Centre, a collaboration and research session at the Bandaranaike Centre for International Studies (BCIS), and a professional development session with Toastmasters International Colombo Club.

The closing ceremony was hosted at the Bangladesh High Commission, Colombo, featuring abstract research presentations, certificate distribution, and reflections from the participants. The session was moderated by Md. Jannatul Habib, Consular of the Bangladesh High Commission in Colombo, while Bangladesh High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Andalib Elias attended as the Chief Guest.

The camp was coordinated by Saifullah Khaled, who served as Camp Coordinator and led multiple academic and collaborative sessions throughout the program. The research presentation session was conducted by him, while the vote of thanks was delivered by S M Sadeq, Director of the International Research Camp along with Research Camp mentors Ruwan P. Perera (Sri Lanka) and Sabita Binte Azad Shifa (Bangladesh).

As part of the international engagement activities, the organizing delegation also held a collaboration meeting with Professor Dr. Indika Mahesh Karunathilake, Vice Chancellor of the University of Colombo, focusing on future cooperation in education, research, cultural exchange, and institutional collaboration between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. The team also visited the UN Global Compact Network Sri Lanka to discuss future partnership opportunities.

The International Youth Research Camp 2026 was organized by the Bangladesh Research Society with support from Help The Future- HTF, Village Empowerment, Run Globally, Global Institute for Research and Development, and Hetman Travel. Media partners included Jamuna Television and The Business Standard, while TBS Graduate joined as the youth partner.

Following the successful first edition held in Nepal in 2025, the initiative continues its mission of promoting youth research, international networking, and global collaboration through cross-border academic engagement.

Final Day | 6 May 2026
Closing Ceremony & Research Presentation of the 2nd International Youth Research Camp 2026
Host: Bangladesh High Commission, Colombo

We successfully concluded the 2nd International Youth Research Camp 2026, organized by the Bangladesh Research Society (BDRS), Help The Future- HTF & Village Empowerment, through an inspiring Closing Ceremony and Research Presentation Session hosted by the High Commission of Bangladesh in Colombo.

As part of the closing proceedings, the delegates delivered their abstract research presentations, followed by the official camp closing and certificate giving ceremony.

We are deeply honoured by the presence of H.E. Andalib Elias, Honourable High Commissioner of Bangladesh to Sri Lanka, as the Chief Guest of IYRC 2026.

We would also like to express our sincere gratitude to our respected experts and mentors for their valuable guidance, inspiration, and support throughout the camp:

• Prof. Rangika Halwathura, University of Moratuwa
• Prof. Sikder Md. Zulkernine, Deputy Director (Programme), SAARC Cultural Centre
• Ruwan P. Perera, Camp Mentor, Sri Lanka
• H. B. Dayaratna, Resource Person, Sri Lanka
• Sabita Binta Azad Shifa, Camp Mentor, Bangladesh

This event was coordinated by Saifullah Khaled, while S M Sadeq served as the Research Camp Director.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all guests, mentors, partners, delegates, and supporters who made this international journey meaningful and impactful. We hope to continue building stronger regional collaboration through research, innovation, and youth leadership in the future.

Programme Agenda for Final Day
6th May 2026 | Bangladesh High Commission, Colombo
Research Camp Closing Ceremony & Presentation by Delegates of Bangladesh