Volunteer in Sri Lanka with Volunteering Solutions and join a wide range of amazing & affordable volunteer programs including Childcare, Teaching English, Women Empowerment, Sea Turtle Conservation, Teaching Monks Program and a Pre Medical and Pre Nursing volunteer project. We have an amazing Wild Elephant Conservation & Research Program in Wasgamuwa National Park, for all those who are keen to live amidst nature and do something out of the box! Nature lovers can also opt for the Environmental Conservation & Dog Care Program. All projects are located mostly in Southern & Central Sri Lanka, and available throughout the year and are specially meant for high school & college students, gap year travelers, families, and backpackers who wish to be a part of the change and make a difference through their contribution.
Would you care to travel to this gorgeous island and volunteer for a meaningful project?
Apply Now Enquire Now- Start Dates : All Year Round
- Duration : 1-16 Weeks
- Program Locations : Galle & Wasgamuwa National Park
- Minimum Age : 17 years+
- Certificate - Offered after Program completion
Sri Lanka - Quick Facts
Program: Turtle Conservation
The turtle project was amazing and I wish I could have spent more time of the day working there. The employees their were very passionate about their work and you could really feel their sincerity they have towards the turtles. They were also very helpful and a reliable resource as well.My overall experience was very rewarding for me. I was able to thoroughly engage in another culture and learn some aspects of the locals lives. I am very grateful for Volunteering Solutions and the programs they have offered me over the years
Projects available in Sri Lanka
Join sea turtle conservation program in Sri Lanka with Volsol and contribute meaningfully towards the wellbeing of the Sea Turtles and play an...
Be a volunteer for the 1 Week Special Program in Sri Lanka with Volunteering Solutions, an amazing opportunity for those who have limited time in...
.jpg)
Join the Dog Care Volunteering Project in Sri Lanka with Volunteering Solutions and work with one of the most reputed organizations devoted to the...
Be a volunteer for the Wild Elephant Conservation & Research Program in Sri Lanka to get an opportunity to work alongside local conservationists,...
Join Women Empowerment Project in Sri Lanka with VolSol and make a difference in the lives of underprivileged women. Help them by providing proper...
Join the Environmental Conservation Project in Sri Lanka with Volunteering Solutions and get the opportunity to conduct a range of initiatives...
Being a volunteer for the Teaching Monks Program in Sri Lanka with VolSol, you'll get an opportunity to help young monks to learn English and...
Being a volunteer for Kindergarten & Teaching Program with VolSol, you can think of creative ways to involve the children in activity-based...
Medical & healthcare volunteering program in Sri Lanka is a great opportunity to gain international work experience under experienced medical...
There's so much to do in Sri Lanka, that the weekend might seem to be too short! Explore the beaches and try out some water sports at affordable costs, if you need some adrenaline kicks! Experience the thrill of wildlife adventure at any of the several national reserves, including Sinharaja Forest Reserve, Bundala National park, Minneriya National Park, Udawalawe National Park, Yala National Park, and more. Visit some of the best tourist hotspots in and around your volunteering site are - Sigiriya Lion's Rock, Adam’s Peak in Ella, Dambulla Cave Temple, and Kandy Lake.
Here are the things that you shouldn't miss while in the country:
Explore the history of Anuradhapura
The sacred city of Anuradhapura is another UNESCO World Heritage Site that serves as a holy place for Buddhists. According to popular belief, the city was established around a cutting from the 'tree of enlightenment', the Buddha's fig tree, brought there in the 3rd century B.C. by Sanghamitra, Buddha's daughter. The ruins of Anuradhapura are indeed worth visiting.
Enjoy the colonial vibes at Nuwara Eliya
Termed by the Lonely Planet as "Little England", this picturesque town in Sri Lanka is located in the Central Highlands and has vast stretches of tea plantation and shelters a huge number of migratory birds including blue magpies and bulbuls. Situated at an elevation of 1890 meters above sea level, it is the highest city in Sri Lanka and lies beneath the tallest peak of the island, Pidurutalagala or Mount Pedro.
Enjoy the train ride from Nuwara Eliya to Ella
You must have seen numerous photos of this postcard-perfect train journey on Instagram! And when you’re in Sri Lanka, you just can’t miss this experience! Board the train from Nanu Oya and get yourself a window seat (or just stand by the doors) and enjoy the breeze in your hair.
Spot a leopard at Yala National Park
This is the most visited national park in Sri Lanka and you'll definitely enjoy visiting this place. There are 5 blocks and all of them are open for public visits. Also known as the Ruhunu National Park, this place is nothing less than a Jungle Book in reality, with monkeys hanging from branches, elephants strolling around, peacocks dancing and displaying their colorful feathers, deer running around, and leopards cunningly hiding on the branches of the trees.
Dance your way to Galle
The seaside town of Galle is situated in the Southern Province of Sri Lanka, around 116 km from Colombo. This old fortified city was founded by the Portuguese colonial masters and still holds onto the old world charm. Nothing can be better than a weekend road trip from Colombo to Galle! After the Portuguese, the Dutch came and captured Galle, and the amalgamation of both cultures is worth witnessing. Visit the magnificent churches, beautiful mansions, ruins of the old forts and spend some time on the beach - it would just be amazing!
Feel the bliss at Kandy
Kandy is the second-largest city in Sri Lanka, set atop a plateau and surrounded by beautiful mountains on all sides. The stretches of tea plantations and the rainforests all around will definitely soothe your senses and give you a fresh feeling. The Kandy Lake (Bogambara Lake) located at the heart of the city is popular for strolling. Kandy is famous for the sacred Buddhist sites, including the Temple of the Tooth (Sri Dalada Maligawa) shrine which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Soak in the serenity at Sigiriya & Dambulla
Often termed as the "eighth wonder of the world", Sigiriya is perhaps one of the most iconic rock structures in Sri Lanka. The ancient rock fortress has significant archeological importance and it's visited by thousands of travelers every year. The fortress complex includes remnants of a ruined palace, surrounded by an extensive network of fortifications, vast gardens, ponds, canals, alleys, and fountains. The palace and fortress complex is recognized as one of the finest examples of ancient urban planning. Considering the uniqueness of Sigiriya, UNESCO declared it a World Heritage site in 1982. Also, head off to Dambulla Caves, about 30 KM from Sigiriya - and experience the bliss of walking inside the Centuries-old-caves that preserves history.
If you are joining us to volunteer in Sri Lanka, and want us to plan your weekends - you can write to us at [email protected] and our team will be happy to help you!
Volunteer in Sri Lanka - Faq's
FAQ's - Sri Lanka
FAQ's Application and Program Details
As we have limited spots available in our programs and we serve on first come first basis, it is recommended that potential volunteers book their programs well in advance to get confirmed placements. You can book your slot by filling the application form online and pay the application fee. You can pay your program fee later and also, in installments. However, the complete payment should be made 45 days prior to the starting of the program. If you are volunteering in a group, you can also fill a group application form.
Below are the necessary requirements to participate in the Sri Lankan volunteer projects:
The minimum age requirement for the programs in Sri Lanka is 17 years.
Volunteers participating in the Medical Program should be at least 18-year-old.
Volunteers need to have an open mind and flexible attitude for working in a new and different environment. They should bring energy and enthusiasm to make a difference.
The participant must be in good health.
We encourage our participants to volunteer in a group. We take special care in providing you a placement and also customize your itinerary to make sure you get exactly what you are looking for. Also, we can design special group programs for groups of 5 or more. Our programs are designed to be safe, affordable and offer a great group volunteering experience to the volunteers.
In our experience of more than 12+ years, we have enabled and facilitated volunteer program placements for college groups, university groups, high school groups, group of families, group of couples as well as groups of colleagues.
A short orientation is given after arrival about the city and placements. The volunteers are also taken for a short tour of Colombo before they start with their program. However, the tour depends on the arrival time of your flight.
For our returning volunteers, $50 discount is provided for the application fee for their next VolSol program.
Flights and Visa
Volunteers can apply for ETA online and the approval of the same will be communicated via email.
Volunteers can be provided with the supporting documents if needed. More information will be provided once you enroll for the program.
Srilankan Airlines
Air India
Mihin Lanka
Spicejet
Emirates
There are frequent in-country flights from Colombo to Galle and Kegalle as well.
Health and Safety
Hepatitis A and B
Typhoid
You can consult your doctor once, before traveling to Sri Lanka.
Accommodation and Living
Volunteers joining the programs in Galle, Sri Lanka, get to stay in the quaint Unawatuna neighborhood, overlooking the famous Unawatuna Beach and the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. The volunteer house has 11 bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms.Most of these rooms have ocean views! There's a private 40-foot outdoor swimming pool surrounded by tropical greenery. The house also has 3 kitchens as well as 3 living/common rooms (one each per floor), a prominent dining area, and a private outdoor garden with seating/lounging areas.
The office is located on the ground floor of the house near the main entrance – this is where the local team operate from every day. The house is located in a peaceful, nature-filled neighborhood adjacent to a small Buddhist temple (nestled away from the main tourist areas). To ensure the safety and security of the participants, there are CCTV cameras installed, and an in-house security guard for night-time surveillance. Hot water and high-speed Wi-Fi are there and you can opt for air-conditioning and laundry facilities at an additional charge.
Other than that, we also provide single/double/family private room upgrades at extra charges. The beach is just about 5 minutes walk from the stay and you can reach the Galle Fort in about 15 minutes.
Volunteers working in Wasgamuwa National Park are given accommodation in a field house in close vicinity of the project location. Three meals are provided in a day including both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. The food is tasty, hygienic and nutritious, suitable for all volunteers.
Breakfast usually comprises of Bread, Butter, Jam, Bun or Rolls, Eggs and Fruits like Banana & Pineapple & Tea. The lunch includes Sri Lankan style rice and curry and the dinner includes noodles, spaghetti, pasta, chapati, hoppers or String Hoppers with curry.
If you have special dietary requirements, please mention the same in your application form.
We encourage our volunteers to travel. We have designed various weekend tours which can be booked under the ‘Add-on Tours’ section in your ‘My Account’. Your in-country coordinator will also help you book and organize the tours once you are in Sri Lanka.
Connect with Past Volunteers
To read alumni interviews from past participants, visit the Meet a Volunteer section on our website
Change Country?
Looks like you're from United Kingdom/Europe. Visit our UK/Europe Website for a better viewing experience and to view prices in GBP.