Sri Lanka is a vibrant island that invites travelers to experience its breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and warm-hearted people. Beyond its stunning beauty, the island presents visitors with the unique opportunity to make a meaningful difference through volunteer work. If you're eager to immerse yourself in Sri Lankan culture while positively impacting the community, exploring volunteer opportunities is an excellent way to engage with the local way of life. By volunteering you'll not only experience the soul of this beautiful country but also make a positive and lasting impact on the communities and ecosystems that thrive here.

The Best Volunteer Opportunities in Sri Lanka for Foreigners

Discover the Beauty of Sri Lanka While Making a Difference

In this article we'll take you through the various volunteer programs in Sri Lanka, how you can get involved, and what's included when you join one of these programs.

Why Volunteer in Sri Lanka?

Volunteering in Sri Lanka lets you go beyond the tourist trail and get involved with the community. Sri Lanka has made great progress in its post-pandemic financial crisis recovery and post-war and natural disasters like the 2004 tsunami but there are still many areas where support is needed. Your contribution can help the local people, especially in education, health, and wildlife conservation.

The south of Sri Lanka where most of our volunteer programs are based has a mix of rural villages, coastal communities, and wildlife reserves where volunteers can make a real difference. Volunteering is a truly immersive experience where you can step into the daily life of Sri Lankans, understand their struggles, celebrate their resilience, and contribute to their well-being.

Volunteer Opportunities in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka offers a variety of programs tailored to different interests and skills. Here are seven impactful volunteer opportunities in Sri Lanka:

Kindergarten Teaching Program

If you love working with little ones, this program lets you teach basic subjects in local kindergartens. You'll help develop the cognitive and social skills of 3-5-year-olds in Unawatuna, Galle, and give them a great start to their education. You don't need to be a teacher, just your presence and care will make a big difference.

Senior Citizens Volunteer Program

Our Senior Citizens Volunteer Program offers opportunities for senior volunteers to contribute their experience and skills to local initiatives. The program addresses critical gaps in education, conservation, and social support in Unawatuna, Galle. Volunteers can engage in activities like kindergarten teaching, English teaching, sea turtle conservation, and more.

Special Needs Care Program

Work alongside local caregivers to provide emotional and practical support to children and adults with disabilities. This program allows you to assist in educational and therapeutic activities to improve their life. You can organize games, arts and crafts for creative expression, and even assist with administrative and maintenance work.

Teaching English to Buddhist Monks

This program places volunteers in temple schools where you teach English to young Buddhist monks. By helping these students to improve their English you'll help them grow as individuals and open up new education opportunities for them.

Turtle Conservation Program

Volunteers in this program help protect endangered sea turtles along Sri Lanka's southern coast. You'll monitor nesting sites, protect turtle eggs, and release baby turtles into the ocean. You can also feed and care for sea turtles, provide treatments to injured turtles, and take part in beach clean-ups. This program is ideal for marine biologists and any nature lovers who want to contribute to wildlife conservation.

Volunteer English Teaching Program

If you love teaching, this program is for you. As a volunteer, you'll lead English classes for children and adults in Galle, helping them improve their language skills and access better educational and job opportunities. You'll collaborate on lesson planning, offer classroom support, and organize extracurricular activities to empower your students.

Yoga Volunteer Program

Join our Yoga Volunteer Program in Sri Lanka to blend community service with holistic wellness! You'll participate in yoga sessions tailored to your skill level, all while engaging in impactful volunteer activities. This program is open to anyone involved in our other volunteer initiatives, allowing you to enhance your experience with these yoga sessions for an additional fee.

About Us – Volunteer in Sri Lanka

At Volunteer in Sri Lanka, we love connecting travelers with real volunteer opportunities in Sri Lanka that make a difference. Our aim is to create lasting and sustainable change in the communities we work with and give volunteers an amazing experience. By joining one of our programs you'll be part of a global community of like-minded people working towards a better Sri Lanka.

How to Volunteer with Us?

Joining our volunteer programs is simple. Visit our website to see the available volunteer opportunities in Sri Lanka and choose the one that fits your skills and interests. The application process is open to everyone. Whether you're a professional, a student, on a gap year, or just someone who wants to make a difference we welcome you!

No special qualifications are required for most programs and we provide all the necessary orientation and support to get you ready for your volunteer role. Once your application is approved we'll guide you through the pre-trip preparations including packing, local culture, and what to expect.

When you arrive you will receive a full orientation on Sri Lankan customs, language, and all the details of your program. You will also meet other like-minded volunteers and get to know the community you will be working with.

How Much Does Volunteering in Sri Lanka Cost?

While volunteering you will need to pay a program fee to cover the infrastructure costs of these initiatives. At Volunteer in Sri Lanka, we try to make volunteering affordable and ensure that your contributions go directly to the projects you are involved in.

Here's a Breakdown of Our Standard Fees:

• One Week: USD 180
• Two Weeks: USD 360
• Three Weeks: USD 540 (For each additional week: USD 180)

What's Included in Our Fees?

Accommodation

You will stay at No. 24, Buonavista, Rumassala, Galle 80600, conveniently located just a 5-minute tuk-tuk ride from Galle City, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Each volunteer will enjoy a private single A/C room, ensuring comfort throughout your stay.

Meals

Throughout your stay, we provide breakfast and dinner featuring authentic Sri Lankan cuisine, giving you the opportunity to savor local flavors. Additionally, we have a kitchen stocked with food items, so volunteers can prepare their own meals whenever they wish.

Airport Pickup

Upon arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport a team member will meet you and take you to your accommodation.

Orientation

A full orientation will introduce you to Sri Lankan customs, language, and details of your program so you are well prepared for your volunteer experience.

24/7 Support

During your stay, you will have access to local coordinators who will be available to help you with any questions or problems.

Please note that program fees do not include airfare, visa fees, travel insurance, or personal expenses.

Top Things to Do While Volunteering in Sri Lanka

While you will be making a difference as a volunteer, you will also have time to explore the beautiful landscapes and cultural attractions of southern Sri Lanka during your downtime. Here are a few must-see destinations in Sri Lanka to explore during your stay:

Galle Fort

A UNESCO World Heritage site, this colonial-era fort offers charming streets, cafes, and spectacular ocean views. Don't miss the opportunity to walk along the fort walls at sunset for a breathtaking experience.

Mirissa Beach

Known for its pristine coastline and vibrant nightlife, Mirissa is perfect for relaxation, surfing, and whale watching during migration season (December to April).

Udawalawe National Park

Famous for its elephant herds, Udawalawe provides a thrilling wildlife experience. Join a safari to spot elephants, leopards, and various bird species in their natural habitat.

Hiriketiya Bay

A hidden gem for surfing and relaxation, Hiriketiya offers turquoise waters, palm-fringed beaches, and a laid-back atmosphere.

Koggala Lake

Explore this beautiful lake by boat, visit its islands, and learn about local wildlife and traditional Sri Lankan industries like cinnamon farming.

Tissamaharama

This ancient town, near Yala National Park, boasts impressive Buddhist temples and serene paddy fields, offering a glimpse into Sri Lanka's rural lifestyle.

Ready to take the next step? Explore our volunteer opportunities in Sri Lanka today and start your meaningful adventure in Sri Lanka!