This project invites students to engage in a real-world exploratory research initiative aimed at identifying how grassroots development strategies can be adapted and implemented in rural Sri Lankan communities. Drawing inspiration from sustainable practices, food systems, education empowerment, and local entrepreneurship, students will explore how innovation and research can support resilience in underdeveloped regions.

Key Focus Areas

Students will explore the feasibility, cultural fit, and community impact of the following themes in selected Sri Lankan communities:

Sustainable Agriculture & Food Security

Topic 1: Seed Sovereignty & Non-GMO Practices

• Investigate the impact of non-GMO seed use on biodiversity, food security, and local farming traditions in Sri Lanka.
• Explore how smallholder farmers can access, preserve, and benefit from non-GMO seed banks.

Green Mobility & Energy Efficiency

Topic 2: Electric Vehicles (Tuk Tuks & Motorcycles)

• Analyze the market potential and local supply chain for electric tuk-tuks and motorcycles.
• Estimate how much fuel can be saved and the environmental impact.
• Assess the infrastructure needed for charging (e.g., solar-powered stations).
• Explore new technologies such as the Thorium nuclear power reactor.

Wellness & Healing

Topic 3: Ayurveda & Medical Tourism

• Explore how Sri Lanka’s rich Ayurvedic heritage can be expanded to attract health tourists.
• Evaluate local capacity, global demand trends, and sustainable tourism practices.
• Propose models to integrate rural practitioners into wellness retreats.

Innovative Transport & Infrastructure

Topic 4 A: Air Delivery Systems

• Examine how drones or small aircraft can solve last-mile delivery in remote or flood-prone areas.
• Look at cost, regulatory feasibility, and success cases in similar regions.

Topic  4 B: Cable Cars for Rural Access

• Assess the feasibility of using cable cars in hilly or disconnected areas to improve transport, especially for students and farmers.

Topic 4 C: Drone Taxis

• Explore the long-term potential of urban aerial mobility (drone taxis) in Sri Lanka’s cities.
• Evaluate legal, technological, and financial challenges.

 What You’ll Do

• Choose one or more areas of interest from the list above
• Conduct light desk research on how similar initiatives have worked in other regions
• Collaborate with  Goshen to understand on-ground needs and context in Sri Lanka
• Suggest adaptable models or prototypes that fit rural Sri Lankan settings
• Present findings in a 4–5 page visual report or infographic-style presentation