Sri Lanka

Volunteer in Sri Lanka

Experience life in vibrant Sri Lanka while supporting disadvantaged local communities

Volunteer in Sri Lanka with Projects Abroad and support development through ongoing efforts in disadvantaged communities. We have a wide range of options available, so you’re sure to find something that interests you.

You can teach computer skills to children and young adults, or help provide basic medical services through our public health work .You can also support the educational development of young children, encouraging them to learn new skills.

We do volunteer work in Sri Lanka in several towns in and around Colombo, and along the west coast. You’ll immerse yourself in the Sri Lankan culture, living and working with the friendly local community. During your time abroad, you’ll receive 24/7 support from Projects Abroad staff.

Sri Lanka is home to some incredible natural and cultural wonders. Whether you’re interested in seeing diverse wildlife, trekking through lush greenery, or visiting historic temples in your free time, Sri Lanka has it all!

Choose a project in Sri Lanka

Richard T

Sri Lanka is an amazing country and everybody should experience the culture, the friendly people and enjoying the many sights and places.

Jacqueline M

I was able to practice all of the skills I had already learnt in my degree, and also learnt some new techniques from the staff there. The senior staff would quiz me every few days about a different technique or some anatomy practice which kept me on my toes.

Simon J

The spoken English was most challenging, both for me as a teacher and them as students. Just trying to help them overcome their self-consciousness and foster an environment where they weren’t afraid to just give it a try was difficult. However, as my time there drew to a close, being able to sit back and listen to them talk in English amongst themselves – it was all worth it!

Mairi C

I would highly recommend Projects Abroad to anyone as they’re well organised and take the stress off of you especially when you have to travel far from home. It’s comforting knowing they’re always only a phone call away if anything goes amiss.

Molly P

Having a year before the start of my degree in midwifery, I decided to start a midwifery placement with Projects Abroad. I thought the project would give me vital experience and prepare me for the start of my course back in the UK.

Dalal A

I specifically chose to volunteer in Sri Lanka as I wanted to do something completely different this summer. I wanted to have an adventure and make a difference and, for me, Sri Lanka ticked all the boxes.

Elizabeth M

The medical placement and experiences I was given were invaluable. I would strongly recommend it to anyone willing to learn and experience what the world has to give us!

Farida O

The dentists truly made my time on my placement enjoyable because they would always take their time to explain to me the process of a procedure they were doing and sometimes they would even draw diagrams to further illustrate what they were doing while they were giving a patient treatment.

Andrew H

I would recommend volunteer work with Projects Abroad to people of all ages. I was surrounded by lots of younger volunteers and I really admired their ability to adapt to a different county and to work hard at their different placements.

Map & Location

Ayubowan! That’s “may you live long” in Sinhala, the language of Sri Lanka, a beautiful island nation in the Indian Ocean. Experience a culture and tradition dating back thousands of years and try the exotic flavours of Sri Lankan cuisine.

Did you know Sri Lanka is thought to have world’s oldest wildlife sanctuary? While exploring, you’ll find ancient cities with distinct architectural styles, vast tea plantations in mist-covered hills, and the warm hospitality of its people.

Kalutara

Kalutara City is over an hour south of the capital, Colombo. More than 100,000 people call it home, with more than a million in the wider Kalutara district. Its stunning coastal location makes it the perfect place to experience both city life and natural beauty.

Like much of Sri Lanka, Kalutara has a tropical climate. Nearby you’ll find waterfalls, caves, and colonial architecture. You’ll be welcomed into the community and experience some of the best traditional cuisine on the island.

Colombo

Colombo, the commercial capital of Sri Lanka, sits on the west coast of the island where history, culture, and modern life intertwine. This city of over 750,000 residents experiences a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round.

With a mix of architectural styles, Buddhist temples, cultivated parks, and winding canals, the city is varied and interesting to explore. You’ll find floating markets, beautiful waterfronts, and incredible people as you do!

Kuliyapitiya

About two hours north east of the capital, Colombo, Kuliyapatiya is a semi-rural town with deep farming roots. About 14,000 people call it home, though the winding layout of nearby settlements makes it hard to know the exact number.

Its location north of the capital means it is slightly cooler and more temperate than much of the tropical island, In the surrounding area, you’ll find ancient Buddhist temples and ruins, excellent family-run restaurants, and a warm, welcoming community spirit.

Galle

Coastal, historic, and well-connected, Galle is an idyllic city in the south of Sri Lanka. Most famous for the incredibly well preserved 17th-century fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city is home to 100,000 people and has a warm, tropical climate.

Within fort walls, you’ll find narrow streets with colonial-era buildings, cosy cafes, shops, restaurants, and stunning views of the Indian Ocean. You may even see signs of the strong global trade Galle has conducted through history.

Balapitiya

A charming coastal town in southwestern Sri Lanka, Balapitiya offers a tranquil escape with its beautiful beaches and serene lagoon. It is two hours south of the capital, Colombo, and home to about 15,000 people, enjoying a tropical climate with warm temperatures all year.

Set beside the Maduganga Lake and River, lined with mangrove trees, Balapitiya is home to some incredible wildlife. Relax on the stunning sandy beaches and immerse in local spiritual heritage at nearby temples.

Your Arrival Made Easy

When you arrive at your respective airport, a member of Projects Abroad staff will be there to meet you. You can find more detailed information on arrival airports, orientation, and visas on our Sri Lanka Arrival Procedures page.

Meet the team in Sri Lanka

Ms Gabriela Estrada

Volunteer Advisor

Gabriela was born in Guadalajara, she has a degree in Foreign Languages. She has worked as an English teacher and translator for several years and she joined the Projects Abroad team in 2016. She loves spending time with her family and friends, reading, going to concerts and cultural events. Gabriela has had the opportunity to travel through South America and Western Europe.

Ms Anu Rajapakse

Project Supervisor

Anu graduated with a postgraduate diploma in IT and human rights. She joined Projects Abroad in June 2011 and enjoys interacting with and helping the volunteers. Anu is a creative and energetic person who enjoys a good challenge.

Ms Aruni Jayawardane

Volunteer Advisor

Aruni, a Sri Lankan who is Zambian-born, joined the Projects Abroad team in 2012. Aruni works closely with all Teaching and Care volunteers. She helps with providing useful resources to support the Care & Teaching Management Plans, giving a focus to volunteers’ contributions at their placements. She is involved in the planning of the High School Specials and other two-week group trips each year. Aruni spends her leisure time exploring and rediscovering Sri Lanka.

Ms Christelle Beauviche-Shoulder

Volunteer Advisor

Christelle joined Projects Abroad as a Volunteer Advisor in September 2013. Previously, she enjoyed teaching French to children and worked for many years as a Personal Assistant. She studied English Literature and Languages at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. Christelle is from France but has also lived in England and in the United States. In her free time, she likes spending time with her family, painting, dancing and hiking.

Mr Mohamed Niyas

Volunteer Coordinator

Mohamed was born in Hambantota on the south coast of Sri Lanka. Before joining Projects Abroad in June 2016, he worked for the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research. Mohamed enjoys photography, playing volleyball and painting in his spare time.

Mr Rasmi Ahamed

Assistant Accountant

Rasmi is from a popular tourist destination in Sri Lanka called Arugambay. He studied accounting at the Mercury Institute of Management and joined Projects Abroad in September 2014. Rasmi is a keen sportsman and he often plays cricket for his district. His favourite sports are cricket and football.

Mr Gishan Perera

Country Director

Gishan became part of the Sri Lankan team in May 2006. Before he joined Projects Abroad, he gained experience in many different fields, such as IT, Agriculture and Travel and Tourism. Gishan took over as the Country Director for Sri Lanka in October 2013, he is a very enthusiastic person who enjoys sharing his knowledge of the Sri Lankan way of life.

Mr Johann Rebeira

Volunteer Coordinator

Johann was born in Colombo, Sri Lanka and studied a Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology and mass communication. He joined Projects Abroad in June 2015 after having previously worked for another NGO and humanitarian organisation. Johann is a foodie and is passionate about travel, blogging and photography. During his free time you will find him singing, playing the piano, swimming, attending musical theatre or watching a good game of rugby.

Mr Amir Jurangpathy

Volunteer Coordinator

Amir is of Indonesian descent, and was born and raised in Sri Lanka. He joined Projects Abroad in June 2016 and is passionate about the welfare of people. Amir is an aspiring chef and enjoys playing cricket and practicing Muay Thai in his spare time.

Mr Dinusha Thirimanna

Medical Supervisor

Dinusha studied IT and project management at Ananda College in Sri Lanka. He joined Projects Abroad in the summer of 2015 after having previously worked at a financial services company. In his spare time, he enjoys travelling around Sri Lanka, spending time with friends, swimming, and playing pool and cricket.

Still got questions? We’re happy to help!

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