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 143,000 travelers, IVHQ is the best volunteer organization in Sri Lanka.
Accommodation in volunteer houses in Kandy and other regions
A special Cultural Immersion Introduction Week is available as an add-on
Increases access to education
3-5 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from $390
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
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 $1020
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
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
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
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
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
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
Assist local Sri Lankan women from difficult backgrounds to overcome gender inequality issues and help women develop life skills in a safe place.
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.
IVHQ made me feel comfortable within the first few weeks of getting mentally prepared for the trip. So much travel anxiety was reduced by the program coordinator and the online resources.
The local support team was amazing! They were more than hospitable and made me feel right at home. I couldn't have asked for a better start to my journey!
The volunteering itself made me realize how much more needs to be done, and that I wanted to be a part of it since I was only able to do so much. I will be doing another project in the near future.
The accommodation was more than comfortable and the food was SO GOOD!! I was so sad to go back home because all the local Sri Lankan dishes we had made for us every night weren't around.
I feel like I gained a sense of understanding a third world country and how many struggles they have to endure daily. It made me appreciate the things I take for granted sometimes, whether it's hot running water, a toilet, certain social programs or even just some constructs. This project opened my eyes to the world around me, and how much more I want to see and immerse myself into.
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.
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 .
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.
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.
To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.
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.
Embark on an unforgettable weekend getaway to Sigiriya, where ancient history and breathtaking nature await.
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.
Enjoy a stress free ride from Kandy back to Bandaranaike International Airport arranged by our local team.
Embark on an unforgettable weekend getaway to Sigiriya, where ancient history and breathtaking nature await.
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.
Enjoy a stress free ride from Kandy back to Bandaranaike International Airport arranged by our local team.
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