I feel I have gained a deeper insight into Sri Lankan culture and made a valuable contribution to the volunteer project by working with and supporting the turtles and the team who care for them. I would tell anyone who is hesitant to join that there is no need to be hesitant at all! You will have so much fun and learn so much, I cannot recommend it enough.
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 140,000 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
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Accommodation in volunteer houses in Kandy and other regions
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A special Cultural Immersion Introduction Week is available as an add-on
Key information
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
JO
Jessica O'Bryan
19 Jun 2024
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LW
Louise Walsh
04 Jun 2024
The pre-departure support and guidance was amazing, I felt well supported and all my questions were promptly answered.
The local team in Sri Lanka were absolutely wonderful. Warm, accommodating and they went above and beyond! I could not have hoped for a better experience.
The meals were healthy and they looked after me not being able to eat gluten. It is awful to have the need for dietary requirements and they didn’t make me feel bad about it. Overall, I am glad I took the leap of faith - it was the best way to experience the real culture and people of the country and to be able to give something back .
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JV
Josephine Vasanthan
04 Jun 2024
The Women's Education project in Sri Lanka needs volunteers. The organization & local people were very grateful to IVHQ. I gained knowledge about local Sri Lankan healthcare settings.
The program was rewarding and the local team were helpful to all volunteers when they needed support.
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SE
Sharon Elder
04 Jun 2024
I gained so much insight about Sri Lanka , and had a deep feeling I had made an impact. The experience will stay with me for a long time and I will certainly be seeking out other IVHQ experiences.
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HH
Holly Huckstadt
23 May 2024
Do not hesitate to join this program! Everyone in Sri Lanka was so nice, welcoming, and friendly. I always felt safe and comfortable there. Make sure to do the week long introduction if you are able. I got to experience a lot of the culture that I wouldn't have been able to otherwise. It was amazing to volunteer on the sea turtle conservation project. They do a lot of good work for the sick and injured sea turtles. The locals also care for a lot of the stray dogs and cats as well. It was nice to be around so many people who cared for animals. I highly recommend the Sri Lanka program. I was there for 3 weeks and was not ready to leave!
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RS
Rathigka Subramaniam
23 May 2024
The place I volunteered was definitely such a heartwarming place with lots of lovely people. The kids and ladies were really adorable. I had a good time feeding them and of course cleaning the big home and doing laundry. The residents were all so helpful and engaging.
If you are intending to reach out for people in need, this is the best platform. Don’t hesitate, get started. It warms your heart knowing that you gave something valuable to someone in need.
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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.
Lion's Rock Fortress and Safari - 1 night/2days
Embark on an unforgettable weekend getaway to Sigiriya, where ancient history and breathtaking nature await.
$510
Trekking Week
Discover the best of Sri Lanka on this week-long tour. Enjoy the diverse flora and fauna, take in stunning hilltop views, and ride the world’s most scenic train. Climb Lion’s Rock to explore the ancient kingdom’s ruins from 500 AD.
$1020
Lion's Rock Fortress and Safari - 1 night/2days
Embark on an unforgettable weekend getaway to Sigiriya, where ancient history and breathtaking nature await.
$510
Trekking Week
Discover the best of Sri Lanka on this week-long tour. Enjoy the diverse flora and fauna, take in stunning hilltop views, and ride the world’s most scenic train. Climb Lion’s Rock to explore the ancient kingdom’s ruins from 500 AD.
$1020
