Diaspora Idea Bank
Harnessing Global Knowledge for National Development
Idea Bank provides a structured digital platform to collect, curate, analyze, and channel diaspora-driven ideas, best practices, and policy recommendations from Sri Lankan Diaspora into national development processes, supporting policy reform, economic recovery, and institutional strengthening.
The Diaspora Idea Bank Aims to:
- Create a centralized repository of diaspora-generated ideas across key sectors
- Facilitate knowledge transfer and policy-dialogue between diaspora experts and national stakeholders
- Identify practical, implementable solutions, including high-impact "quick wins."
- Support evidence-based decision-making within government institutions
- Strengthen structured and sustained diaspora engagement in national development
Why Idea Bank?
The Sri Lankan Diaspora is a major national asset. It is large, diverse, fragmented, and
globally-networked, with strengths in finance, technology, enterprise, utility, research,
entrepreneurship, and public service. Many diaspora members want to assist their home country.
Engaging the diaspora in a structured and meaningful manner can play a transformative role in
bringing knowledge-ideas into the country's national program.
At a time when Sri Lanka is navigating economic recovery, institutional reform, and long-term
development planning, there is a growing need to access global best practices, promote innovative
solutions, and strengthen evidence-based policymaking. In response, the Institute of Migration in
Sri Lanka (IMSL), in coordination with the Department of National Planning under the Ministry of
Finance, has developed the Diaspora Idea Bank, a strategic national initiative designed to harness
the ideas, expertise, innovation, and global experience of Sri Lankan diaspora professionals.
Idea Bank represents a structured effort by the IMSL to harness the ideas and expertise of Sri
Lankan global diaspora in supporting policy innovation, institutional strengthening, and the
country's long-term development trajectory.
How Your Ideas Work
We invite members of the Sri Lankan diaspora to share their valuable ideas, suggestions, or recommendations through our dedicated online submission platform. Submissions are for review and for research and development reasons (Filter system), ensuring that contributions are aligned with priority areas of national importance.
Submissions will:
- Undergo an initial screening by our team to ensure alignment with the objectives of the Diaspora Idea Bank and to identify high-impact, practical, and policy-relevant proposals.
- Featured and made public on our website for public access and knowledge sharing.
- Forwarded and shared with formally reference relevant government institutions, including the Department of National Planning, as well as development partners and donors, for their consideration.
- Contributors of ideas will be notified upon acknowledgment of receipt by the respective authorities.
While we make every effort to review and forward all submitted ideas, we cannot guarantee their
acceptance or implementation. We act as a catalyst, routing your ideas to the attention of relevant
government authorities for their consideration and implementation.
We welcome constructive, forward-looking ideas within the national development priorities. However, the
platform is not intended for personal complaints, commercial proposals, political commentary, or
personal grievances. All submissions must reflect high physical professionalism, inclusivity, and
national interest, contributing positively to Sri Lanka's development.
Idea of the Month
To encourage engagement, the platform will feature a monthly "Idea of the Month" selection. Ideas chosen will receive recognition on the website and newsletter, and contribute to network on the writing table. These recommendations will provide valuable insights for the broader public to engage with and learn from diaspora-driven insights and innovations.
Submit Your Idea
