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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 147,000 travelers, IVHQ is the best volunteer organization in Sri Lanka.

Highlights:
  • 9 meaningful project options available year-round
  • Program Fees from $390 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 $390
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 $390

  • 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 $390

  • 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 $675

  • Duration: 1 - 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 $435

  • Duration: 1 - 12 weeks
  • Programs start every Monday
  • Training hospital in Kandy
  • Volunteers aged 16+

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 $390

  • Duration: 1 - 12 weeks
  • Programs start every first and third Monday of the month
  • 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 $390

  • 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 $390

  • 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 $737

  • Duration: 2 - 4 weeks
  • Programs start every first and third Monday of the month
  • 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 $390

  • 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

SY
Sharm Yeldon

The guidance and preparation before I left for Sri Lanka made me feel very comfortable and confident in what I was embarking on. My Program Manager was great!

The local team in Sri Lanka was fantastic and was only too happy to accommodate different needs and made such an effort to make us feel so comfortable. The main coordinator went out of his way to organize and adjust different requests regarding our programs.

In regards to the accommodation at the volunteer house, my bed was so comfortable and I even had my own bathroom!

It is something I always wanted to do. So glad I did it and I would recommend that others don’t hesitate!

...
YD
Yvonne Douglas

I met some wonderful people of all ages and ethnic backgrounds. I had worried about being too old but quickly felt part of the group. The staff was always on hand for support/advice and very friendly.

...
AA
Atif Albreiki

I volunteered with my two boys, and this experience opened their eyes on the needs in this world and the importance of giving and being grateful with what we have. Thank you IVHQ for the great experience.

...
TR
Theresia Ressmann

I am so happy that I could experience these two weeks in Sri Lanka. I met so many amazing people and started to think about how privileged my life is a lot more. I know, that you don’t choose your privilege, or lack thereof; you’re born with it. And that´s why I want to use my privilege for the greater good.

I loved to spend time with the local kids and families and was sad when I had to leave. Next time I will stay for longer, that´s for sure.

...

To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.

Popular add-ons & experiences in Sri Lanka

Take your volunteer experience to the next level with these popular add-ons and experiences. 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
Lion's Rock Fortress and Safari - 1 night/2days

Embark on an unforgettable weekend getaway to Sigiriya, where ancient history and breathtaking nature await.

$382
Trekking Week
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.

$1022
Airport Drop-off
Airport Drop-off

Enjoy a stress free ride from Kandy back to Bandaranaike International Airport arranged by our local team.

$97
Lion's Rock Fortress and Safari - 1 night/2days
Lion's Rock Fortress and Safari - 1 night/2days

Embark on an unforgettable weekend getaway to Sigiriya, where ancient history and breathtaking nature await.

$382
Trekking Week
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.

$1022
Airport Drop-off
Airport Drop-off

Enjoy a stress free ride from Kandy back to Bandaranaike International Airport arranged by our local team.

$97

Check what's required to visit Sri Lanka

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How to get started

Pick a destination + project and apply for free
Meet your personal volunteer travel expert
Pay the Registration Fee to secure your place and upgrade your MyIVHQ account
Get ready to volunteer abroad, we’ll support you every step of the way!