Non-Discrimination Statement

The National Institute of Fundamental Studies (NIFS) is committed to equal opportunity and the creation of an inclusive environment for all members of its academic community.

NIFS admits qualified students of any race, colour, national or ethnic origin, sex, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, and other legally protected statuses to all rights, privileges, programmes, and activities generally accorded to or made available to members of the institute.

Policy on Unlawful Discrimination

NIFS prohibits unlawful discrimination on the basis of any legally protected characteristic in all of its programmes and activities, whether conducted at its Kandy campus or at any other location, including overseas programmes.

This prohibition extends to: • Admission and access to study programmes • Research opportunities and fellowship appointments • Employment and working conditions • Access to facilities, services, and resources • Participation in outreach and public engagement activities

All members of the NIFS community — including staff, researchers, students, and visitors — are expected to uphold these principles.

Prohibition of Harassment

NIFS also prohibits unlawful harassment, including sexual harassment and sexual violence, in all of its programmes and activities.

Harassment on the basis of any protected characteristic undermines the dignity and well-being of individuals and will not be tolerated. This applies to: • Verbal, written, or electronic harassment • Physical conduct of a harassing nature • Creating a hostile, intimidating, or offensive environment • Any form of sexual misconduct, including unwanted advances, requests, or coercion

Any member of the NIFS community who engages in harassment may be subject to disciplinary action.

Scope of This Policy

This non-discrimination policy applies to all NIFS programmes, activities, and operations, regardless of location. This includes:

• All academic and research programmes at the Kandy campus • Collaborative research activities with partner institutions in Sri Lanka and abroad • Study and internship programmes, both local and international • Public outreach, science education, and community engagement activities • Digital platforms, publications, and online resources maintained by NIFS

Inquiries and Complaints

The Secretary of the Institute is designated as the primary contact for inquiries and complaints regarding non-discrimination and equal opportunity at NIFS.

Secretary National Institute of Fundamental Studies Hantana Road, Kandy 20000, Sri Lanka Email: secretary@nifs.ac.lk

If you believe you have experienced or witnessed discrimination, harassment, or any other conduct prohibited by this policy, you are encouraged to report it promptly. All reports will be treated with confidentiality to the extent possible and will be investigated in accordance with NIFS's internal procedures.

NIFS's Commitment

NIFS is dedicated to fostering a research environment that is welcoming, respectful, and inclusive for all — regardless of background, identity, or circumstance.

We believe that diversity strengthens science. By bringing together researchers and students from varied disciplines, backgrounds, and perspectives, NIFS aims to produce research that is both rigorous and relevant to the needs of Sri Lanka and the world.

This commitment to equal opportunity is central to NIFS's mission to advance fundamental sciences and nurture future scientists.