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Volunteer in Sri Lanka

Explore International Volunteer HQ’s exhilarating Sri Lanka volunteer abroad program. Choose from a wide range of trusted Sri Lanka volunteer projects, including Elephant Welfare, Childcare, Medical, Teaching, Cultural Immersion and Turtle Conservation. Volunteer work in Sri Lanka is located in Kandy, Ambalangoda, Hanguranketha, Dambulla and Randeniya area. With affordable Program Fees and top rated volunteer projects trusted by over 135,000 travelers, IVHQ is the best volunteer organization in Sri Lanka.

Highlights:
  • 9 meaningful project options available year-round
  • Program Fees from $380 for 1 week
  • Includes airport pick-up, orientation, accommodation, meals and 24/7 in-country support
  • Accommodation in volunteer houses in Kandy and other regions

  • A special Cultural Immersion Introduction Week is available as an add-on

Apply For Free

Key information

Fully hosted experience from $380
Volunteer from 1 - 12 weeks
Ages 16+ and families
Based in Kandy & other regions
Projects align with UN Sustainable Development Goals
Impact driven projects run by locals
B Corporation certified organization
Discover jungle, beaches & wildlife

Volunteer opportunities in Sri Lanka

Increases access to education

3-5 hours volunteering per day

Program Fees from $380

  • Duration: 1 - 12 weeks
  • Programs start every Monday
  • Based in pre-schools and daycare centers within Kandy
  • Volunteers aged 16+ and families

Provide assistance in understaffed and under-resourced childcare centers around Kandy, helping with lessons, playtime and general tasks wherever your help is needed.

Supports community development

3-5 hours volunteering per day

Program Fees from $380

  • Duration: 1 - 12 weeks
  • Programs start every Monday
  • Based at temples, schools and pre-schools in Kandy
  • Volunteers aged 16+ and families

Help to restore local temples, schools and pre-schools to their former beauty by painting and cleaning them. Learn about the local culture as you go and see your progress in front of your eyes!

Protects animals

4-5 hours volunteering per day

Program Fees from $1010

  • Duration: 2 - 12 weeks
  • Programs start every Monday
  • Based at a sanctuary in Randeniya
  • Volunteers aged 16+ and families

Volunteer at an elephant sanctuary. Help care for domesticated elephants that have been subject to harsh working conditions and boost their physical and mental wellbeing.

Improves health & wellbeing

3-5 hours volunteering per day

Program Fees from $425

  • Duration: 1 - 12 weeks
  • Programs start every Monday
  • Training hospital in Kandy
  • Volunteers aged 18+

A project for pre-meds, medical students, or professionals, where you’ll assist local staff in a teaching hospital in Kandy. Duties are observational and include the opportunity to get experience in a range of medical departments.

Supports community development

4-6 hours volunteering per day

Program Fees from $380

  • Duration: 1 - 12 weeks
  • Programs start every Monday
  • Based in rural villages
  • Volunteers aged 16+ and families

Based in a rural community, this is a rare chance to be part of an authentic traditional culture, helping out on a range of projects including teaching, childcare and renovation.

Improves health & wellbeing

3-5 hours volunteering per day

Program Fees from $380

  • Duration: 1 - 12 weeks
  • Programs start every Monday
  • Based in special needs facilities
  • Volunteers aged 16+ and families

Assist in special needs schools, homes and care centers, helping to care for children and adults with a range of challenges. Help with education and socialization, organizing activities and providing a fun environment during the day.

Increases access to education

3-5 hours volunteering per day

Program Fees from $380

  • Duration: 1 - 12 weeks
  • Programs start every Monday
  • Temples, monasteries and schools
  • Volunteers aged 16+ and families

Help to teach English to those who can’t afford to pay for private language classes. Assist in a range of settings, including in monasteries, pre-schools and village homes.

Protects animals

4-7 hours volunteering per day

Program Fees from $727

  • Duration: 2 - 4 weeks
  • Programs start every Monday
  • Based in Ambalangoda
  • Volunteers aged 16+ and families

Assist on government-backed turtle conservation projects aiming to help boost local turtle populations. Help with feeding and cleaning turtles, protecting and maintaining hatcheries and promoting recycling in local communities.

Supports gender equality

5-7 hours volunteering per day

Program Fees from $380

  • Duration: 1 - 12 weeks
  • Programs start every Monday
  • Based with a local NGO
  • Volunteers aged 18+

Assist local Sri Lankan women from difficult backgrounds to overcome gender inequality issues and help women develop life skills in a safe place.

What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience

AP
Amy Perkins
24 Jan 2024

This program was the most amazing thing I have ever done, and I am so incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to take part in it. It is so eye-opening being immersed in another culture, particularly being guided by the locals adds a deeper sense of learning. The turtle conservation program was so special, and very rewarding being able to give back to the local wildlife and community. I would 100% recommend people to join the program, I am already looking into doing more with IVHQ!

...
JP
Joshua Paterson
23 Jan 2024

I gained appreciation, love and worth. I'd tell someone who is hesitate that, in time you will tell your future partner about the lasting impact the trip had on you then your children and then your grandchildren!

...
IF
Ingeborg Fetscher
18 Dec 2023

I had yet another marvellous experience, this is my 5th volunteer project with IVHQ. All I’d advise people who are new or hesitant to this kind of activity is, not to expect the convenience etc. You might enjoy in your home country, but rather embrace and learn from other/different cultures. Helping others comes back to you a thousand fold and is the most rewarding experience.

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AC
António Costa
26 Sep 2023

I would like to express my gratitude and share my incredible experience as a volunteer in Sri Lanka. My journey as part of this project was unforgettable and enriching in various ways.

First and foremost, I want to highlight the wonderful team that welcomed me from the moment I arrived in Sri Lanka. Their hospitality and warmth made me feel at home from day one. They were incredibly attentive and helpful in every aspect, making my adaptation to the new environment and culture much easier.

The volunteer work itself was a transformative experience. Contributing to local initiatives, whether in education, medical assistance, or environmental conservation, provided a deep sense of fulfillment. It was rewarding to see how our collective effort was making a difference in people's lives and in the community as a whole.

Furthermore, the opportunity to immerse myself in Sri Lanka's culture and daily life was truly enriching. I learned so much about the history, traditions, and values of this amazing country, which significantly broadened my worldview. Interacting with local residents and learning from them was one of the most valuable parts of my experience.

I also want to highlight the organization of the volunteer program. The logistics were well-planned, and all my concerns were efficiently addressed. Communication with the coordination team was always clear and effective, contributing to a smooth and enjoyable experience.

Lastly, I believe that my experience in Sri Lanka not only enriched my life but also gave me a broader perspective on global issues and the importance of volunteering. I am inspired to continue working for the common good and to share what I have learned with others around me.

In summary, my experience as a volunteer in Sri Lanka was extraordinary in every aspect. I sincerely thank you for providing me with this unique opportunity. I look forward to continuing to support this project in some way, and I hope that others can enjoy the same transformative experience I had.

Thank you once again.

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IV
Ivaila Valcheva
06 May 2022

Sri Lanka is an incredible country; the people are friendly and welcoming, you are surrounded by beautiful wildlife from elephants to sea turtles and the volunteer programmes are worth every minute. Turtle conservation gives you the chance to feed, wash and handle disabled sea turtles, on a stunning beach with overhead palm trees. If lucky you may end up releasing baby turtles into the sea, a once in a lifetime moment. I cannot recommend this country enough, the local team made my safety their priority and ensured I saw the most Sri Lanka has to offer whilst I was there!

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DM
Dave Moore
01 Apr 2022

I have only volunteered once before. It wasn’t with IVHQ. But it was still a great experience. Now, based on just the one experience with IVHQ. I would highly recommend them. I for one, would look at them first for any future volunteer projects!

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To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.

Free-time experiences & tours in Sri Lanka

Take your volunteer experience to the next level with IVHQ's affordable activity and tour add-ons in Sri Lanka! Explore your options below and learn how to book them once you've been accepted onto the IVHQ Sri Lanka program.

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Private Room Upgrade

Upgrade to a private room and bathroom while volunteering in Sri Lanka.

From $90

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How to get started

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