The David Young Sri Lanka Fund

The Link between the diocese of Ripon and Leeds and the dioceses of Colombo and Kurunagala started in July 1988 when Bishop David was the Bishop of Ripon. Since that time there have been many visits between the two countries and many friendships have been established.  The Link was not based on financial need but on mutual support and learning centred in the gospel.  The aims of the Sri Lanka Companion Link are:

Widening the experience of belonging to a global communion through personal encounter, prayer and information, exchange of gifts, skills, resources and understanding between the dioceses of Colombo, Kurunagala and Ripon and Leeds.

To fulfil these aims and develop the link further the David Young Sri Lanka Fund has been created. We hope it will encourage and assist people who wish to visit the diocese of Ripon and Leeds, the diocese of Colombo or the diocese of Kurunagala.  All such visits will have the aim of benefitting the individuals, their parishes and the dioceses as we seek to grow in mutual love and understanding.

Who would qualify for funding to go to Sri Lanka?

It is expected that people who apply for funding would be unable to undertake such a visit without some financial support.  The criteria for making a grant will include:

active membership of a diocesan parish in Ripon and Leeds, Kurunagala or Colombo or associated ecumenical partners in one of those dioceses.

description of a purpose for the visit which reflects one or more of the aims of the link such as education and learning, developing relationships of supporting ministry and theological training.

description of a plan to achieve the aims of the visit, ensuring that the  host church in Colombo, Kurunagala or Ripon and Leeds will be able to fulfil the requirements of your visit.

indication of  how the learning from the visit will be shared on return

Who might apply?

We hope that a great variety of people of different ages and interests might be encouraged to apply for funding to make a visit possible. For example:

groups of people from deaneries or parishes seeking to establish a link.

individuals with a specific interest, skill or role which could be useful e.g. a retired engineer, a theological trainer, someone interested in interfaith work

young people who would benefit from a gap type experience or a medical student seeking an elective

those who would benefit from a period of study in a different country.

How to apply

An application form is obtainable from the Sri Lanka Link Companion Officer, Barbara Belsham (telephone 0113 2737192 or barbara5@taktalk.net)  

The fund will be administered by a group from the diocese and when making plans time must be allowed for the application to be considered.   Grants will not be awarded retrospectively.

Successful applicants will need to meet with the Link Officer before making the visit.

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