Construction
Sri Lanka
Construction project in Sri Lanka
- Duration
- 2 to 12 weeks
- Age
- From 16 years old
from €890 for 2 weeks
Sri Lanka
Volunteer opportunities in Sri Lanka
Volunteer in Sri Lanka, an island in the Indian Ocean: elephant and dog rescue, sea turtle protection and support for disadvantaged communities.
7 programmes in this country
Sri Lanka is an island country lying in the Indian Ocean. It is a combination of incredible beaches, majestic elephants, delicious teas, and friendly people. The physical environment makes Sri Lanka one of the world’s most scenic countries. It is known for its diverse landscapes, including lush greenery, mountains, and beautiful beaches. Vibrant coral reefs can be found in the waters surrounding the country, which makes it a very popular destination for snorkeling and diving. Sri Lanka is also famous for its diverse wildlife, including elephants, leopards, and a variety of bird species.
The country boasts a very rich history and is home to many ancient cities, historic temples, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Sigiriya, which is an ancient rock fortress with well-preserved frescoes.
The capital city of Sri Lanka is Colombo. Sinhala and Tamil are the official languages of Sri Lanka, though English is also commonly spoken. Due to its proximity to the Indian subcontinent, there has been cultural exchange since ancient times, affecting the society and way of life in Sri Lanka as a whole. Despite its natural and cultural richness, Sri Lanka still faces many social difficulties and the majority of people live in rural areas, depending on agriculture for their livelihood.
Good to know before you go
- Visa
- You can apply for your visa in advance on Sri Lanka's official Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) website. The tourist visa lasts for 30 days and costs US$30.
- Health
- Please check with your doctor or a travel clinic which vaccinations you need for your destination. You can also find up-to-date health advice for each destination on the Institut Pasteur website.
Our programmes in Sri Lanka
Environment
Sri Lanka, Galle4(1)
Environmental conservation project
- Duration
- 2 to 12 weeks
- Age
- From 16 years old
from €1,190 for 2 weeks
Teaching
Sri Lanka, Galle4.8(4)
Education mission in Sri Lanka
- Duration
- 2 to 12 weeks
- Age
- From 16 years old
from €1,095 for 2 weeks
Animals
Sri Lanka, Galle5(10)
Sea turtle conservation volunteer in Sri Lanka
- Duration
- 1 to 12 weeks
- Age
- From 16 years old
from €1,190 for 2 weeks
Animals
Sri Lanka, Galle5(2)
Volunteering in a dog shelter in Sri Lanka
- Duration
- 2 to 12 weeks
- Age
- From 16 years old
from €1,190 for 2 weeks
Communities
Sri Lanka, Galle5(2)
Women's empowerment in Sri Lanka
- Duration
- 2 to 12 weeks
- Age
- From 18 years old
from €1,095 for 2 weeks
Teaching
Sri Lanka, Galle
Sports coaching in Sri Lanka: football and swimming with children
- Duration
- 2 to 12 weeks
- Age
- From 16 years old
from €1,140 for 2 weeks
Responsible travel by Freepackers
Not looking to volunteer?
Travel in Sri Lanka with Planeta First
No project to join here: you discover the country with local guides and hosts, at your own pace.
About the Destination and Volunteer Opportunities
Advice before volunteering in Sri Lanka
Although English is spoken in tourist areas, learning some basic phrases in Sinhala or Tamil will definitely improve your connection with the local community.
The local climate can be hot and humid, so take that into consideration when packing clothes. Also, remember your insect repellent and sunscreen!
Sri Lankan culture values politeness and humility, so be sensitive to cultural differences and avoid behavior that could be considered disrespectful.
Respect the natural beauty of Sri Lanka and follow environmentally friendly practices.
Is it expensive to volunteer in Sri Lanka?
Be sure to check the price of each programme, as prices and included services may differ. The trip itself is only as expensive as you make it. Sri Lanka is known for being fairly inexpensive though it will depend on how much travel you do and the level of comfort and luxury you want. Urban and tourist-centric areas may have higher prices than rural or less touristy regions.
Is it safe to volunteer in Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka is considered to be a safe travel destination. Nevertheless, you should still be careful and exercise caution, especially when in busy or unfamiliar areas and when using local modes of transport like tuk-tuks or private hire vehicles. Be wary of scams and overly friendly strangers as well.
Sri Lanka can also experience monsoons and earthquakes, so stay informed about weather conditions.
Requirements to volunteer in Sri Lanka
In order to volunteer in Sri Lanka, you must be 18+, be proficient in English, have a valid passport and have travel insurance.
Volunteer opportunities in Sri Lanka
There are many volunteer opportunities in Sri Lanka. Discover our environmental and animal protection programmes. Join an elephant rescue programme, dog rescue programme, or a sea turtle protection programme. Inequalities in education and living conditions are significant, which is why there are several programmes to help disadvantaged communities.
Sri Lanka is popular for its wildlife, especially its population of wild elephants. Volunteers can help with preserving wild elephants and working with local communities. Sri Lanka is also home to a number of sea turtles, making sea turtle conservation another popular volunteer opportunity in Sri Lanka. Volunteering in a dog shelter is another interesting option for animal lovers, since a number of stray dogs in Sri Lanka suffer from hunger or abuse.
