The Ulpotha Bursary

For thirty years people have found their way to Ulpotha, and a great many of them have kept coming back. To mark our thirtieth year in 2027, we want to make room for someone who might never otherwise get here. Through the Ulpotha Bursary, we will offer three fully funded places on a two-week retreat. The bursary is open to people of every nationality, Sri Lankans included.

Why we ask for a letter

We are asking you to apply in the slowest way we could think of: with pen and paper, sent by post. That is deliberate. Ulpotha has always been about stepping away from the rush and being present with what is in front of you, and writing a letter by hand asks the same of you. It can’t be skimmed or dashed off between emails. It gives you time to sit quietly with the question of why you want to come, what you hope to find here and why you feel this place should be yours. With only three places each year, this is a real gift, and we believe it is worth that kind of reflection.

What to write

There is no form, no word count and no list of criteria. Write in whatever way feels natural to you. Your letter doesn’t need to be long or beautifully written; we would far rather read something honest and authentic than something polished. Tell us who you are, why you would like to come to Ulpotha and what it would mean to you.

What the bursary covers

A bursary place covers a two-week stay at Ulpotha, the retreat itself and Ayurveda treatments during your time with us. It does not include visas, travel insurance, flights or transfers to and from the village, so please make sure you can cover these before you apply.

How to apply

Please address your letter to Giles Scott and Viren Perera and post it to:

Giles Scott and Viren Perera
Ulpotha
Embogama 60718
Kurunegala
Sri Lanka

Applications open on 1 November 2026 and close on 17 January 2027. Letters from the UK and Europe usually take a week to ten days to reach us, but please allow longer from further afield and post yours in good time.

Please include your email address in your letter. We will reply to every applicant by email by 14 February 2027.

The Sri Lankan post is surprisingly dependable, but the occasional letter does go astray, so we suggest keeping a copy of yours.

Giles and Viren
Co-Founders
Ulpotha