The climate of Haputale is very pleasant and cool, day-time temperature levels being in the region of 25° Centigrade, falling to 5 to 6 degrees below that, at night. Sweaters and light wool shawls or cardigans are all that is needed as extra clothing. Sri Lanka has a well organised tourist travel industry, and any expeditions which scholars would like to make, e.g., to National Parks, beaches, or archaeological sites, are made possible at their own cost by arrangement with a reputable tourist organization or travel agent. Haputale is ideally situated for this purpose.

Residencies are normally  awarded for a period of up to 4 weeks from 1st of June to 31st August of each year. During their stay, Resident Scholars are expected to pursue their individual projects , but would have opportunities for mutual cross-fertilization of ideas with fellow-Residents from different disciplines, and are encouraged to make use of them.

In this connection, the Director wishes to emphasise the fact that" it is the intention of  the Management to have 4 to 6 Scholars at Pemberley at any one time but due to individual vagaries one can never really plan. A good example of this was seen in July 2002 when we had 5 Scholars in our books with 1 spouse, 6 in all,  but, as it turned out, one of them who had already been at Pemberley for 5 weeks and due to be there for another 3 weeks, left at the end of  July because of  family ill-health;   the other Scholar had a serious personal setback and returned  to her home country. Another Scholar from South Africa had financial problems with the falling Rand ! Then, we had another Scholar who created problems for himself and for us, quite unexpectedly, and left before his term ended. Therefore, much as one tries, it is not easy to satisfy even our own intentions, let alone the Scholars". But, we shall keep trying.

There is also no guarantee that the Scholars would remain at Pemberley right throughout their residency, because some of them go in search of research material to other parts of the Island, others go to  libraries in Kandy-Peradeniya or even to Colombo.Some go sight-seeing or to watch the famous Kandy Pageant / Perahera, an ancient mediaeval festival held over a period of 10 days in July-August each year. So, you may have 6 Scholars in the books for the month's residency, but only one in residence at Pemberley for the first 10 days of the month.

This detailed explanation is given to prevent any misconceptions or misunderstandings in relation to the Pemberley Centre Study Progarm.                   

Eligibility

The Centre is intended in particular for scholars from all parts of the world with established reputations and proven track records. Applications from outstanding younger scholars, scientists and artists would, however, receive consideration, even in the first year. The decision of the Trustees (based on recommendation by the Selection Committee) is final.

Cost and Facilities

Transport between Colombo and Haputale is provided to all Resident Scholars, visitors from overseas being met at Colombo International Airport on arrival , and escorted there on departure. Resident Scholars (in groups of up to 10 at any one time) are provided during their stay, with study-bedrooms, accommodation and meals, and are looked after by the Centre's domestic staff. Facilities in the form of typewriters, computers, printers and photocopiers are available in the office for the use of Residents, and incoming faxes are received on their behalf, free of charge. Scholars are encouraged to bring their own laptop computers and printers with them. The Library facilities at the Centre will be limited. Any scholar needing extensive reference sources should make contact prior to arrival, with the National Library, Public Library and Colombo Museum Library, all of which are in Colombo. In addition, the University of Ceylon Library in Peradeniya, near the hill country capital of Kandy, has good library facilities.

A spouse or partner could accompany the Resident Scholar, being treated as a Centre Scholar and liable for the same registration cost (see below). No other family members can be accommodated at the Centre. Pets are not allowed. The Centre plans to liase with the British Council, the Goethe Institute and the US Educational Foundation, all based in Colombo with good library facilities.

Insurance

Successful applicants will be required to meet their travel costs themselves, and to obtain sickness and accident travel insurance covering the period from arrival date to departure date. The Centre does not provide insurance cover.

In addition, individual applications will be considered depending on the availability of accommodation for other persons and other facilities. In this case these applicants will not be considered part of the scholars program.

Registration

A registration fee will be applicable on the acceptance of a Residency that has been applied for and awarded. Such a fee will be means-tested and not refundable. Financially disadvantaged scholars will be subsidized by the Centre; and in deserving cases, cost of registration would be fully met by the Centre.

How to Apply

All applications (Maximum length : 6 Pages) must be typed in English, and include -

1. A completed application form
2. A curriculum vitae
3. Reviews of previous published work
4. A description of the project that includes a statement regarding its usefulness and its importance to the scholar's field of study
5. The names and addresses of two referees familiar with the applicant and his/ her work
6. A recent photograph of the applicant

Application forms may be obtained by downloading from the web site :  -   http://www.pemberleyhouse.com.  or by writing to

• Dr. Brendon Gooneratne, Director
  Pemberley International Study Centre
  P. O. Box 328
  Epping, Sydney NSW  2121
  Australia

Completed applications must be sent no later than 31st of January and for late applications by 31st March of each year to -

Dr. Brendon Gooneratne P. O. Box 328 Epping, Sydney NSW 2121 Australia With a copy to - Dr. Brendon Gooneratne "Pemberley" Viharagala Estate Nikapotha P. O. via Haputale Sri Lanka. Late applications would be accepted until 31st March of each year depending on the availability of accommodation and residential vacancies. APPLICATIONS CANNOT BE SENT ONLINE. THEY HAVE TO BE POSTED OR FAXED TO THE ABOVE ADDRESSES.