Sri Lanka: Volunteering in Asia

Volunteering Projects and Internships in Asia - Sri Lanka

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.

This beautiful country has been run by the Portuguese, Dutch and the British, gaining independence in 1948. It is now a democracy that continues to make economic progress, despite tensions in the far north east of the island and the devastation inflicted on the south by the 2004 Tsunami.

Sri Lanka's population is multi-religious and multi-ethnic, and its cultural heritage is equally as rich and diverse. Its countryside is lovely and teeming with varied and exotic wildlife species. There are more than ten national parks in Sri Lanka, and the Sinharaja rainforest is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The food in Sri Lanka is a real pleasure. Enjoy the delights of sampling a jackfruit curry accompanied by the sweetest mango juice you have ever tasted. You will be amazed at the range of fresh fruit and veg available and don't forget to try some of the fresh fish, straight out of the boat.

Another Sri Lankan passion is cricket. Whether you are talking to an orange-robed Buddhist monk or a young school student they will want to find out what you think of their heroes and which team you support.

Projects in Sri Lanka are available for anyone interested in volunteering in the developing world; whether you are on a gap year, a summer placement, or a career break.

Volunteer work opportunities in Sri Lanka

Projects Abroad Sri Lanka has an office based in the capital city of Colombo. We offer overseas voluntary work placements in Teaching, Care, Medicine & Healthcare - including Physiotherapy, Nursing and Midwifery - Journalism, and IT.

Most of our volunteer placements are located along the coast between Negombo, about an hour north of Colombo and Galle in the south-west of the island. We also have projects in and around the beautiful hill town of Kandy, or in the gem town of Ratnapura.

As with most of the overseas voluntary work placements that we offer, you will normally stay with a local host family, which will give you a rounded insight into Sri Lankan culture and lifestyle.

Travel and Tourism in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka provides many opportunities in a small space. Like most capitals, Colombo can be hectic, but it's full of heritage. You may want to visit the mass of Hindu temples across the city, but equally you'll gain a flavour of Sri Lankan life simply by strolling through its modern avenues and narrow, crooked streets. You can people-watch in the Pettah bazaar, or take in the sunset from Galle Face Green.

The town of Galle is a sea port with a strong Dutch heritage and plenty of old colonial buildings to explore. Venture inland to hike in the hills, refresh yourself in the cool waterfalls and stop off at quaint little hill towns.

Sri Lanka's national parks include safari parks where you can spot leopards and elephants, or visit wetland sanctuaries that are particularly good for bird-watching. There are also rainforest reserves crammed full of tropical biodiversity.

The majority of the beach resorts around the south coast are now rebuilt following the devastation of the tsunami, and they offer the opportunity to dive, snorkel and relax at reasonable prices.

There are several interesting museums and beautiful parks to view, as well as numerous noteworthy churches, temples and mosques. Tasty Sri Lankan food can be found throughout the city, with major hotels offering exquisite international cuisine. In all areas you will find the Sri Lankan people extremely friendly to tourists.