Physical Address
23,24,25 & 26, 2nd Floor, Software Technology Park India, Opp: Garware Stadium,MIDC, Chikalthana, Aurangabad, Maharashtra – 431001 India
● Call for applications
Coastal Connections Sri LankaJournalism Fellowship 2026–27
Sri Lanka has promised to protect 30% of its ocean by 2030. Its seagrass meadows store carbon, shelter young fish and feed the dugongs of the Gulf of Mannar and Palk Bay. Who is checking the promise against what happens on the water? We are looking for 10 young journalists to do exactly that, in Sinhala, Tamil and English.
10
fully funded fellowships
3
languages: Sinhala, Tamil, English
3
coasts: Puttalam, Jaffna / Mannar, Batticaloa
15 Nov
applications close
Why this story
A national promise that almost nobody is checking
In 2024, Sri Lanka launched a national programme to protect 30% of its land and sea by 2030. New marine protected areas have been announced, and in May 2026 the government said it was looking at more in northern waters. On paper, the commitments are growing.
On the water, the questions are harder. Is a protected area actually managed? Are seagrass beds inside the boundaries, or outside them? Is the 2017 ban on bottom trawling enforced? Do the fishing families who depend on these waters know what was promised in their name?
Coastal Connections Sri Lanka trains and supports young journalists to answer those questions with evidence, and to tell the story in the languages coastal communities read.
What you get
Everything you need to report the coast well
Workshop in December
Seagrass and blue-carbon science, the 30×30 pledge, reading gazettes and budgets, satellite map tools and the IFCN verification workflow.
Field visit in March
A boat visit to the seagrass beds of Puttalam Lagoon with marine scientists, timed for calm seas and clear water.
Paid for your stories
A stipend for every published piece, plus travel, accommodation and field insurance for project activities.
Editors in your corner
One-to-one editing and monthly online clinics, with your work published in three languages under your byline.
Make a documentary
Help film one of three short documentaries, coached by an experienced environmental documentary maker.
A lasting network
A certificate and a place in a new network of young environment journalists across Sri Lanka.
Commitment and eligibility
What we ask, and who should apply
The fellowship runs alongside your regular work. Expect a few days of training and roughly one story every two to three months.
What we ask of you
- ✓ Attend the December workshop and the March field visit.
- ✓ Publish at least one written story and one short video with us between December 2026 and July 2027. More is welcome.
- ✓ Join at least four monthly online clinics (about 1.5 hours each).
- ✓ Contribute to a fact-check, a documentary or a youth session in your region.
- ✓ Join the closing panel in August 2027 and complete three short surveys.
Who can apply
- ✓ Journalists, freelancers, student journalists and content creators aged 18 to 35.
- ✓ You report in Sinhala, Tamil or English (or more than one).
- ✓ You don’t need to be an environment reporter. Curiosity about the coast and a habit of checking claims matter more.
- ✓ We especially welcome applicants from Puttalam, Negombo, Jaffna, Mannar and Batticaloa, and women journalists.
- ✓ There is no application fee.
Key dates
How the year runs
- Step 115 Nov 2026Applications close at 11.59 pm.
- Step 217–23 NovShort online interviews with shortlisted applicants; results announced.
- Step 3DecemberWorkshop on the science, the 30×30 promise and verification.
- Step 4Dec – JulReport, film and fact-check with mentoring; seagrass field visit in March.
- Step 5Aug 2027Closing panel and evidence brief for decision-makers.
About us
Climate Fact Checks Sri Lanka
Climate Fact Checks is the climate and environment desk of Fact Crescendo Sri Lanka, an independent fact-checking newsroom publishing in Sinhala, Tamil and English. Coastal Connections Sri Lanka is supported by Internews’ Earth Journalism Network through its 30×30 Media Grants, which support reporting on countries’ progress toward the global goal of protecting 30% of the ocean by 2030.
IFCN signatory Meta 3PFC partner Trilingual newsroom Supported by Earth Journalism Network
Questions
Before you apply
Do I need to be a full-time journalist?
No. Staff reporters, freelancers, student journalists, citizen journalists and content creators can all apply. If you work for an outlet, tell us whether your editor supports your taking part.
Does it cost anything?
No. There is no fee. Travel, accommodation and meals for project activities are covered, and you receive a stipend for each published piece.
Where will the workshop and field visit be held?
The December workshop will be held on the west coast, with the venue confirmed to selected fellows. The March field visit is to the seagrass beds of Puttalam Lagoon and Kalpitiya. Dates are set around safe sea conditions.
Can I report in Tamil or Sinhala only?
Yes. You can report in the language you are strongest in. Our editors handle translation so your work reaches readers in all three languages.
How will you choose?
We look at your interest in the coast, your story pitch, your reporting and verification skills, your multimedia skills and your availability. We also aim for a cohort balanced across regions, languages and gender. Shortlisted applicants will have a short online interview.
Apply now
Pitch us the coastal story you want to tell
The form takes 15 to 20 minutes. Have links to two or three pieces of your work ready, and a short idea for a story on seagrass, marine protection or coastal livelihoods.
Applications closeSunday 15 November 2026, 11.59 pm (Sri Lanka time)
Apply through our Google form
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