Volunteer Programs in Sri Lanka

Take part in a volunteer project in breathtaking Sri Lanka, working with turtles on one of the many beautiful beaches and becoming immersed in the local culture. Volunteers will have the chance to swim in the Indian Oceans amazing waters, learn about Buddhist history, and take a trip to UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Participants will impact the local community through conservation efforts in rescuing and rehabilitating turtles. Volunteers will work in Galle, a lovely town. Three days each week, volunteers work in the hatchery, which is about an hour away from the volunteer villa. Tasks include feeding and cleaning the turtles, moving turtle eggs into the hatching area, caring for disabled turtles, cleaning tanks and more. One day a week is Environment Day, where volunteers will take part in beach cleaning activities in Galle.

Sri Lanka is a beautiful country with many wonderful volunteer projects and internships available for volunteers interested in exploring this island in South Asia. Sri Lanka is the teardrop off the tip of Southern India. This tropical island is famed for its palm-fringed beaches, tea plantations and rickshaws. Based in the city of Colombo, Projects Abroad offers projects in Sri Lanka available for anyone interested in volunteering in the developing world, including those on a college summer break, gap year, career break or volunteer vacation. P Voluntary work opportunities include: Teaching English, Teaching IT, Care, Business, Veterinary Medicine & Animal Care, Medicine & Healthcare internships and electives, Sports Coaching, and Sinhalese language courses.

Empower, educate, and uplift — join our Women Empowerment Volunteer Program in India and be part of a powerful movement helping women gain confidence, skills, and independence. Through this meaningful volunteer experience with Volunteering Journeys, you’ll work closely with women and girls from underprivileged backgrounds to promote gender equality, education, and self-sufficiency. India is a country of incredible diversity and deep traditions, but many women, especially in rural and low-income urban areas, still face barriers to education, employment, and leadership opportunities. As a women empowerment volunteer in India, you’ll play an important role in helping local women build brighter, independent futures for themselves and their families. By volunteering with Volunteering Journeys, you’ll join initiatives that address these inequalities directly — helping local NGOs and women’s groups create safe spaces where women can learn, grow, and lead. These programs focus on practical skills training, language development, income-generation workshops, and confidence-building activities that empower women to become change-makers in their own communities.

Looking to apply your talent and expertise to a good cause? Find a program that matches your interests and skills through Volunteer World! We are the largest volunteer abroad comparison platform around the globe, enabling you to seek and compare offers from major travel agencies as well as smaller grassroots NGOs and local specialists in more than 80 countries. All these with just one click! Find projects in wildlife, teaching, community development, and several other areas. Simply choose your desired destination and desired travel date, and our search engine will compare the best volunteer abroad programs on your behalf. Whether you wish to gain experience at a wildlife sanctuary in South Africa or teach English at a monastery in Nepal, we've got you covered. Volunteer World guarantees a quick and easy application. We will guide you through this process, as well as help plan your next meaningful trip. We provide free access to quality-checked projects and flexible options. And if anything goes wrong, we've got your back with our qualified support team and our refund guarantee.

This program goes beyond ordinary high school travel programs and build cross-cultural community service summer trips perfectly geared to your interests and curiosities. Whether you’re looking to contribute to authentic service projects, experience exhilarating adventure, or develop your language skills, GoBeyond will immerse you in a new culture where you can make a meaningful difference while on the journey of a lifetime. Our high school community service summer programs proudly serve in many under-resourced communities and environments throughout the world. Explore our journeys in the British Virgin Islands, Costa Rica, Galapagos & Ecuador, Peru, Iceland, Spain, China, Thailand, India, Sri Lanka, and Australia. Beyond experiencing the adventure of a lifetime and creating lasting memories, we believe our community service summer trips enable lasting positive change in the world. For over forty years, we’ve been transforming communities, environments, and students’ lives through meaningful, collaborative adventures and service that develop skills and a more sophisticated worldly outlook—ultimately shaping the person you become.

Volunteer at a childcare centre supporting poor and underprivileged families in the local community. Care for babies and young children by leading fun, educational activities and games. Assist staff with daily tasks, including changing bed sheets and nappies, keeping the centre clean and sterilised, preparing meals, and feeding the children. Support a home for children and persons with disabilities, managed by the Mother Teresa Foundation and supervised by Sri Lanka’s Department of Probation and Childcare. This home accommodates over 120 children, plus women and men with disabilities aged 1 to 60 years. Bring smiles, support, and care to those in need, making a meaningful difference each day. Volunteer hours typically run from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm, with Thursdays off to relax or join another available project.

Join us for the adventure of a lifetime! Volunteers For Peace (a Vermont-based nonprofit) can place you on a team of international volunteers who contribute to a meaningful community service project designed, planned, and hosted by local partners. We offer the most affordable projects and the best way to meet people from all over the world. Work project types vary by country but may include environmental and wildlife conservation, historic preservation, educational and language learning, archaeology, organic farming, and arts and festivals. We also have social services projects, which could involve working with children, the elderly, or refugees. Projects are designed to combine service with recreational activities and cultural exchange – whether by visiting local beaches, learning local dances, meeting local officials, or volunteering with residents at the place you’re visiting. Each project is unique, but all bring people together for the most meaningful travel experience imaginable. Please note that VFP can only place US Citizens. This is due to our agreements with our international partners.

Work alongside a multi-award-winning charity to help protect the beautiful elephants of Sri Lanka. Witness elephants in their natural, wild habitats and help to contribute to important research that will help to preserve the future of these gentle giants. Each day, volunteers will monitor and photograph elephants, trek through the stunning jungle, conduct research from a tree house, teach environmental awareness to local children, and carry out research. Not two days will be the same! An ideal volunteer will be passionate about elephants and will be willing to get stuck in. They will live with other volunteers in a relaxing shared house and they will quickly feel at home in the lush surroundings, overlooking mountains and reservoir.

In the Balangoda and Rakwana regions of Sri Lanka, the Rainforest Protectors initiative is actively working to restore degraded lands and combat invasive species that threaten the local biodiversity. Situated at the intersection of wet and intermediate zones, these areas house a unique ecosystem with rich flora and fauna, including elephants, leopards, and diverse plant species. However, decades of man-made fires have turned mountains and forest areas into scrublands. Rainforest Protectors is dedicated to reforesting these lands, starting with 15 acres in Balangoda and 20 acres in Rakwana. In addition, we plan to establish a Rainforest Conservation and Education Centre near the Sinharaja Rainforest, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This center will serve as a base for educational outreach, environmental research, and conservation initiatives. Through this, local communities, students, and tourists will have a direct opportunity to learn about rainforest conservation and the ecological threats facing this vital ecosystem. Volunteers play a critical role in supporting these reforestation efforts, with tools and funding contributions making a lasting impact on the Sri Lankan landscape.

Developing World Connections (DWC) invites you to join one of our Fall 2025 volunteer trips—transformative experiences where you’ll give back, connect deeply with local communities, and leave a lasting impact. These hands-on projects span six incredible countries, each offering unique cultural insights and meaningful work. Whether you're building an e-lab in Kenya, improving school facilities in Costa Rica and the Philippines, expanding learning space in Peru, supporting women’s empowerment in Nepal, or constructing homes in Sri Lanka, your contribution will help drive long-term change. Each trip includes accommodations, meals, in-country transportation, program costs, and eligibility for a charity tax receipt. No special skills are required—just a willingness to help and a sense of adventure. Whether you're traveling solo or with friends, you’ll gain unforgettable memories, form lasting connections, and contribute to something greater than yourself.

Under the Teaching Volunteer Program in Sri Lanka, you will have the opportunity to work in government, primary, and public schools in and around the beautiful town of Kitulgala and Hatton in the central region. Volunteers focus mainly on children aged 6-14 years old, teaching typical subjects like Japanese and English (conversational and written) General Knowledge. They help students improve their vocabulary and spoken language skills, which are highly important in getting good jobs in Japan and English-speaking countries. Specific responsibilities include: - Assist the teachers to provide low-cost teaching materials and fun for the children. - Teach Conversational Japanese/English to students. - Assist in other general areas of teaching. - Share new ideas with the students and exchange views on different topics. - Create a playful environment and enhance the children's creativity through painting, playing games, singing, and other activities. Volunteers work 4-5 hours a day within a five-day workweek.

WECare Worldwide invites passionate, energetic volunteers to join their team in Sri Lanka. Volunteers play a crucial role in the organization, contributing to animal care, outreach, and veterinary programs. Whether you're a vet, nurse, animal care assistant, or even a photographer or artist, your skills are welcome. Volunteers can engage in hands-on animal care, including socializing dogs, cleaning kennels, and assisting in medical treatments. Long-term commitment (2-3 months) is preferred, but short-term roles are available for the CNVR project. While WECare can no longer provide accommodation, they offer guidance on local options. Volunteers can enjoy the vibrant culture and beauty of Sri Lanka during their free time. A minimum fundraising amount of £350 is required to support the hospital's operations. This is an opportunity to make a significant impact on animal welfare while experiencing life in a stunning destination.