Our internships provide practical experience to highly-motivated individuals who wish to pursue a career in international affairs, public policy, or the non-profit sector. Depending on their interests and backgrounds, interns may work in one or two of 4 areas: Research; Communications (print and digital platforms); Programmes (coordinating LKI events and operations); and Library (assisting in the development of LKI’s library).
Interns are normally recent graduates, or enrolled in tertiary study. Communications and Programmes interns are occasionally school leavers with exceptional academic results. Applicants should be able to write clearly and fluently in English, and preferably also have local or foreign language skills. Attention to detail, initiative, and the ability to meet deadlines are essential.
To apply, please email a cover letter and CV (listing two referees) to the Deputy Director at programmes@lki.lk. If you are interested in a Research internship, please also include a writing sample that shows your ability to think critically and construct a logical argument. When applying, please indicate your available dates to start and end an internship. Interns normally work for 3-9 months.
Enquiries from overseas are welcome, though special arrangements apply for non-Sri Lankans. We regret that we can only respond to shortlisted applicants, whom we normally contact within 4 weeks of applying.
LKI’s Work Shadowing Programme aims to inform highly motivated students who are considering a career in international affairs, public policy or the non-profit sector. This unpaid learning experience offers the opportunity to understand how a think tank functions by allowing successful applicants to shadow staff members at LKI, normally for a period of one week.
The programme aims to help students to:
The programme offers an introduction to various areas, ranging from research and programmes to communications and administration. To register your interest in LKI’s Work Shadowing Programme, please email a cover letter and resume (listing two referees) to the Deputy Director at programmes@lki.lk.
LKI does not discriminate against any applicant on the ground of an individual’s race, ethnicity, religion, creed, sex, disabled status, age, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status, or other status protected by law.
As a student fresh out of secondary school, LKI gave me an opportunity to work closely with highly skilled individuals in the field of international relations which allowed me to gain fresh perspectives on issues of the current world.
Growing up with the passion of pursuing a career in International Relations and Law, LKI turned out to be one of my strongest pillars, empowering my passion in this very field in countless ways.
LKI proved to be the greatest stepping stone for me, as it introduced me to a career which, unlike others, gave me the opportunity to act independently and expand my networks. It is the best place for anyone who is looking for a highly active and intellectual working environment.
During my internship I was thankful for the level of responsibility handed to me, and was able to gain confidence in independently carrying out the allocated tasks. Furthermore, LKI’s small size afforded me the possibility to interact with all staff, and participate and gain knowledge of all the areas of the organization.
When I look back on my internship at the LKI, I am nothing but grateful, as I experienced a definite learning curve both professionally and academically.
24 Horton Place
Colombo 7
Sri Lanka
A think tank engaging in independent research of Sri Lanka’s international relations and strategic interests, to provide insights and recommendations that advance justice, peace, prosperity, and sustainability.
